Slow Cooker Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, do not stir the ingredients before cooking. The layers help the pasta cook evenly and prevent the chicken from drying out. When you do stir at the end, be gentle to keep the chicken pieces intact.

If you prefer a more baked-ziti texture, you can transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, use the low setting rather than high. High heat can cause the pasta to overcook and break down.

Also, make sure the slow cooker is at least half full; if it’s too full, the heat may not circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Variations

• Spicy Arrabbiata: Use arrabbiata or spicy marinara sauce, and add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs. The heat balances the creamy Boursin and fontina.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add 2 cups of baby spinach or sliced mushrooms along with the pasta. Cook on low for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
• Sausage: Replace the chicken with 1 lb of Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled. Brown the sausage in a skillet first, then proceed as directed.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta. Check that the marinara and cheeses are gluten-free. Reduce the cooking time to 3 hours to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or marinara if needed.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, or in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce, so you may want to add a splash of water or extra marinara when reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. The dish also freezes well; see freezer instructions below.

You can assemble the slow cooker insert with all the ingredients the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.

If starting from cold, you may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, cook the full dish, let it cool, and refrigerate or freeze for later.

Serving ideas

Serve this ziti hot, straight from the slow cooker or plated onto individual dishes. It pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the tomato and herb flavors beautifully.

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it as a side to roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. If you have guests, set out the slow cooker on the buffet with a large spoon, and let everyone serve themselves. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast tenderloins, cubed
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 24 oz sweet basil marinara sauce
• 2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1 wheel (5.2 oz) garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian fontina cheese

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breast tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread the ziti pasta over the chicken. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and chicken, then sprinkle with the Italian herb seasoning. Stir gently to coat everything with sauce.
2. Place the wheel of garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese in the center of the slow cooker. Scatter the shredded fontina cheese evenly over the top.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. Do not lift the lid during the first 3 hours to keep the heat inside.
4. After 4 hours, stir the mixture well to combine the melted Boursin and fontina into the sauce. Check that the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Spoon the hot ziti and chicken onto plates or bowls. Serve immediately, with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

610

Protein

48 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

22 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.