Crockpot Chicken Pasta – This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich and creamy sauce, making it the ultimate family-friendly dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Minimal prep, and the slow cooker does all the work!
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit your taste with different variations and add-ins.
- Make-ahead-friendly: Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients to ensure this dish is flavorful and satisfying:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties are ideal for holding the creamy sauce.
- Creamy Base: Cream cheese, heavy cream, or a can of cream of chicken soup for richness.
- Broth: Chicken broth enhances the savory flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cheese: Parmesan or mozzarella for that gooey, cheesy finish.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Pasta
- Prep the Ingredients: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken in the Crockpot with broth, garlic, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot.
- Add the Creamy Sauce: Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until melted and smooth.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta separately and stir it into the slow cooker. Mix until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top, let it melt, and serve!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta
- Pre-cook the Pasta: Always cook the pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Boost the Flavor: Sauté onions or garlic in butter before adding them to the slow cooker for a richer taste.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the chicken on low heat ensures it stays juicy and tender.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey, sausage, or shrimp.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and verify other ingredients like broth and seasonings.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Pasta
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- For a heartier spread, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that the pasta may soften upon thawing.
- Reheating: Warm in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking and food safety.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out cream cheese and heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
3. What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties work best as they hold the sauce well.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook the pasta separately and mix it into the slow cooker just before serving.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, refrigerate, and mix with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Chicken Pasta - This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich and creamy sauce, making it the ultimate family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
- 1 tsp each of onion powder and Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 oz pasta
- Parmesan cheese and dried parsley (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Spray your Crockpot with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the Crockpot and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, and Alfredo sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred or cube it, and return it to the Crockpot.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and add it to the Crockpot. Mix well to coat every piece.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for a finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 525Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 127mgSodium 1202mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 32g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta make it a dish that everyone will adore. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. Try it today and see why it’s a favorite among food lovers everywhere!
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