Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
I’m so excited to share one of my go-to, easiest, and most satisfying weeknight meals: Chicken Pasta in Crockpot. Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, and it’s also a crowd-pleaser that even my pickiest eaters devour. Forget slaving over the stove; with this recipe, your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a flavorful and comforting dish. If you love the idea of a hearty slow cooker chicken pasta that’s practically effortless, you’re in the right place! This is not just any slow cooker pasta recipes; it’s a flavor-packed, family-approved meal.
Table of contents
Ingredients to Make Our Chicken Pasta in Crockpot
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1.5 pounds | Can also use chicken thighs for more flavor. |
| Pasta | 1 pound | I love using penne or rotini, but any short pasta will work. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 28 ounces | Can use diced tomatoes if preferred. |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup | Low sodium is best to control salt content. |
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup | You can use half and half or milk for a lighter option. |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced. |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 teaspoons | A must for that authentic flavor! |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth to the sauce. |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to your taste |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground is preferred. |
| Parmesan Cheese, grated | ½ cup | For topping. Freshly grated always tastes better! |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | ÂĽ cup | Chopped, for garnish. |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup | For topping, Optional. |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 6-quart or larger Crockpot/Slow Cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Garlic press (optional)
- Large spoon or spatula for stirring
Quote
“The beauty of Chicken Pasta in Crockpot lies in its simplicity. It’s a flavorful meal that almost cooks itself, perfect for busy families who still want a delicious homemade dinner.” is a quote from an experienced home cook.
Instructions For Chicken Pasta in Crockpot
Time needed: 3 hours and 50 minutes
- Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If using chicken breasts, trim any excess fat.
- Layer in the Crockpot
Place the diced onion in the bottom of the crockpot. Then, add the garlic, chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to tear the chicken into small pieces. After that, put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
- Add Pasta
Put the dry pasta into the crockpot. Mix it so that the pasta is covered in the sauce.
- Continue Cooking
Cover and cook on high for about 20-30 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Check on it periodically and stir to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and half of the parmesan cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve
Serve hot, decorated with the remaining parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and, if using, mozzarella cheese.
Tips and Tricks (Chicken Pasta in Crockpot)
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Adding the pasta at the end is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy. Watch it closely and stir occasionally.
- Customize the Sauce: Put a small amount of red pepper flakes to make it spicy, or use different types of canned tomatoes to adjust the flavor.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional): You can quickly brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot for a richer flavor.
- Stirring is Key: Stir the pasta from time to time. This helps stop it from sticking together or sticking to the base of the slow cooker.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parmesan cheese at the end are non-negotiable for me, and they genuinely elevate the dish.
Chicken Pasta in Crockpot Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread on the side. You can dip it into the tasty sauce.
- Side Salad: A new garden salad with a mild dressing is a great balance to the heavy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus are great additions to the meal and add nutrients.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a kick, add some red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information
(This is an estimate for each serving based on a recipe that makes 6 servings. The actual amounts may be different depending on the ingredients you use and how big each portion is.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
Variations or Alternatives
- Spicy Chicken Pasta: Put one small spoon of red pepper flakes into the sauce to make it spicy.
- Vegetable Medley: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra veggies.
- Creamy Pesto Pasta: Substitute the Italian seasoning for pesto for a different flavor profile.
- Crockpot Chicken Parmesan: For a delicious crockpot chicken parmesan variation, add some breaded chicken cutlets after cooking, along with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. You can leave the breading on the chicken for a more authentic taste.
- Cheese Lovers’: Mix in ricotta cheese along with the heavy cream for an ultra-creamy texture.
Conclusion
Making Chicken Pasta in a Crockpot is one of the most leisurely ways to enjoy a tasty homemade meal. It’s great for busy nights or when you want a filling dinner without much work. This recipe is very simple and you can change it to fit what you like. You can make classic slow cooker chicken pasta or try a cheesy chicken parmesan version. There are many options to choose from! The important points are that it is easy, flavorful, and very convenient to use a slow cooker.
Key Takeaways:
- Effortless meal prep with minimal hands-on time.
- Customizable ingredients to fit your preferences.
- A family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
- Great for nights when you are busy or for a calm weekend.
- Versatile enough to make different variations.
FAQ Section
Yes, but I recommend adding 30-60 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it cooks through properly.
Absolutely! Any short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni will work well.
Yep, you can make this dish ahead of time and warm it up later. Just remember to add the pasta right before serving so it stays firm and doesn’t get too soft.
You can use less heavy cream or change it for half-and-half or milk.
Yep, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the pasta texture may change slightly after thawing.
Who Should Skip This Recipe!
Alright, my friends, let’s have a little chat about who might want to take a raincheck on this particular Chicken Pasta in Crockpot recipe. I want everyone to feel like a kitchen superstar, and sometimes, that means being honest about our needs! So, if you fall into one of these categories, no hard feelings – there are plenty of other delicious options out there for you:
- Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac: Sadly, this recipe, as is, is a no-go. But fear not! There are a ton of gluten-free pasta alternatives that can easily sub in.
- Low-Carb Crew: This recipe is definitely a carb lover’s dream, so if you’re keeping things keto or low-carb, this might not be the perfect fit.
- Low-Sodium Seekers: With chicken broth and other seasonings, this recipe is not very low in sodium. But, you can control it by using low-sodium chicken broth, and watching the salt added!
- Dairy-Free Dynamos: The heavy cream and cheese make this one a challenge. Feel free to try with vegan alternatives, but the taste will change.
- Those watching their Weight This is not a weight loss recipe.
- Remember, these guidelines are just here to help you make the best choices for your needs! Let’s all find the perfect recipe for our day.
What Do You Think?
I’m really excited for you to try this Chicken Pasta in Crockpot recipe! Let me know what you think in the comments below. Have you made a similar recipe before, or do you have any tips to share? Also, if you love this one, check out some of my other pasta recipes on the blog. Happy cooking!
My Personal Touch?
I want to share a little story about this recipe. The first time I made it, I was not so sure about cooking pasta in a slow cooker. I thought it would become too soft and mushy. But to my surprise, it came out just right! Now, I make this recipe often, especially on days when I don’t have the energy to cook a big meal. It really helps on busy school nights! I also enjoy trying different vegetables and cheeses to make it feel different each time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
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