Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 mouth-watering slow-cooker recipes that combine the bold flavors of spicy chicken with the rich, tangy goodness of marinara sauce. From hearty pasta bakes and meatball subs to creamy gnocchi and stuffed shells, there’s something for every palate in this collection of spicy chicken and marinara slow-cooker recipes.
Start your day off right with a Spicy Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake, or fuel up after a workout with Slow-Cooker Chicken and Marinara Meatballs. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting like Spicy Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara, or something fresh and flavorful like Chicken Marinara Stuffed Peppers, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these delicious slow-cooker recipes, featuring variations that range from spicy sausage and garlic breadcrumbs to creamy risotto and roasted eggplant. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooker or just looking for some new inspiration in the kitchen, there’s something here for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Spicy Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake
Spicy Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake: A flavorful twist on classic pasta bakes, this dish combines juicy chicken, spicy marinara sauce, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup marinara sauce with red pepper flakes (adjust heat level to taste)
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add marinara sauce with red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce mixture. Mix well to combine.
7. Transfer pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Marinara Meatballs
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Marinara Meatballs Recipe
Summary:
This hearty recipe combines the rich flavors of chicken, marinara sauce, and homemade meatballs for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs (about 20-25).
4. Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and chicken breasts.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time:
Low: 6-8 hours
High: 3-4 hours
Marinara Chicken with Spicy Garlic Breadcrumbs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of marinara sauce, the spiciness of garlic breadcrumbs, and the juiciness of grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together marinara sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush both sides with the marinara mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and minced garlic.
6. Once chicken is cooked, top each breast with spicy garlic breadcrumbs.
7. Serve immediately and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara
Elevate your chicken parmesan game with this spicy twist, featuring juicy chicken, crispy breading, and a tangy homemade marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Homemade Marinara Sauce (recipe below)
Homemade Marinara Sauce:
– 2 cups crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook breaded chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Transfer chicken to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve with homemade marinara sauce and chopped fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Marinara Stuffed Peppers
Brighten up your dinner table with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory goodness of chicken marinara. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add marinara sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with cooked chicken mixture, dividing it evenly among the four peppers.
6. Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken Marinara Tortellini
Transform your weeknight dinner into a flavorful feast with this easy and aromatic recipe! This slow-cooker wonder combines spicy chicken, marinara sauce, and tender tortellini for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 8-10 cheese-filled tortellini
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, marinara sauce, parsley, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
2. Add diced tomatoes and tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3 hours (High)
Enjoy your delicious Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken Marinara Tortellini!
Creamy Spicy Chicken and Marinara Gnocchi
This recipe combines the flavors of spicy chicken with tender gnocchi, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package gnocchi
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken, heavy cream, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Serve the chicken mixture over the cooked gnocchi, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Marinara Chicken Skillet with Spicy Sausage
A flavorful and spicy one-pot dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This Marinara Chicken Skillet with Spicy Sausage combines the richness of chicken, savory marinara sauce, and spicy kick from Italian sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Return chicken and sausage to the skillet; stir to combine.
7. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Chicken and Marinara Stuffed Shells
This recipe combines the flavors of spicy chicken, marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese to create a unique and delicious twist on traditional stuffed shells.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, marinara sauce, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Top stuffed shells with additional marinara sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken Marinara Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This spicy chicken marinara soup is easy to prepare and simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups of marinara sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz of pappardelle pasta (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper to your slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the pappardelle pasta (if using) and stir to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Chicken and Spicy Marinara Flatbread Pizza
Savor the flavors of Italy with this spicy twist on traditional pizza! Juicy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and crispy flatbread come together for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large flour tortilla (flatbread)
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together marinara sauce and red pepper flakes.
3. Grill or cook chicken breast until cooked through; slice into strips.
4. Brush flatbread with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Top flatbread with marinara mixture, sliced chicken, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Marinara-Braised Chicken with Spicy Olives
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this bold and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich marinara sauce with spicy olives.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine chicken, marinara sauce, olives, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
4. Braise for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Chicken Marinara Dip with Crostini
Elevate your gathering game with this bold and flavorful dip, packed with spicy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and crispy crostini.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch crostini
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, marinara sauce, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Arrange crostini on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Serve the spicy chicken dip with warm crostini.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken and Marinara Risotto
This hearty slow-cooker recipe combines the flavors of spicy chicken, marinara sauce, and creamy risotto for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, marinara sauce, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt.
2. Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, cook Arborio rice according to package instructions.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the cooked chicken and risotto together, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Chicken Marinara with Spicy Roasted Eggplant
A flavorful twist on classic chicken marinara, this recipe adds a spicy kick from roasted eggplant and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (depending on desired heat level)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Toss eggplant slices with red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast eggplant on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
6. Grill or cook the chicken as desired, then serve with marinara sauce and roasted eggplant.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Chicken and Marinara-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and visually appealing recipe, featuring spicy chicken and marinara-stuffed zucchini boats.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise, scoop out insides, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix together chicken, cilantro, jalapeño, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the chicken mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed zucchinis and top each with a spoonful of marinara sauce.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchinis are tender.
7. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken Marinara Lasagna
Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken Marinara Lasagna
A twist on the classic lasagna recipe, this slow-cooker version combines the flavors of spicy chicken and marinara sauce with tender noodles. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. Assemble the lasagna by spreading a layer of the chicken mixture, followed by noodles and cheese. Repeat two more times, ending with cheese.
6. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Marinara Chicken with Spicy Herbed Polenta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and satisfying combination of spicy marinara chicken and creamy herbed polenta.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the polenta:
– 2 cups polenta cornmeal
– 4 cups water
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together marinara sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Cook polenta according to package instructions. Stir in butter, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove chicken from marinade and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve chicken with herbed polenta and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes