Nothing says comfort food like a rich, hearty Bolognese sauce over tender pasta. But traditional Bolognese can take hours to simmer, leaving little time for busy weeknights. Enter the Slow Cooker Chicken Bolognese Pasta—an easy, healthy, and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. Using lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers all the depth of flavor of a traditional Bolognese without the long stovetop simmering.

This slow cooker chicken bolognese is perfect for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone craving a cozy pasta dinner that’s ready when you are. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making leftovers an easy win for later in the week.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, finely grated
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
6 oz tomato paste
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tsp olive oil
12 oz whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables
Dice onion, celery, bell pepper, and grate the carrots. Mince garlic. This ensures all vegetables cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the final Bolognese.
Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place seared chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add all chopped vegetables, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and spices (oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes). Stir gently to combine, leaving chicken partially exposed.
Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. Chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and vegetables soft.
Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir until fully incorporated into the sauce.
Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the slow cooker Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat each strand.
Serve and Garnish
Plate pasta in bowls, sprinkle with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. Optional drizzle of olive oil adds extra richness.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Bolognese

Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley added just before serving brightens the flavors.
Don’t skip searing: Searing chicken or vegetables beforehand enhances the umami notes in the sauce.
Customize the heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Add a splash of cream: For a creamier Bolognese, stir in ¼ cup of half-and-half or heavy cream before serving.