Crockpot Italian-Seasoned Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight

Tired of chicken dinners that leave you feeling “meh”? This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta is about to revolutionize your weeknights. Forget dry, bland chicken – here’s juicy, tender perfection nestled in a creamy Alfredo dream with bursts of tangy marinara sunshine. This flavor bomb practically cooks itself in your slow cooker, leaving you free to kick back and relax, catch up with loved ones, or even conquer that mountain of laundry. Get ready for a comfort food masterpiece that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta 

This one-pot wonder transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion. Juicy chicken simmers in a dreamy blend of tangy marinara and rich Alfredo, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to relax or tackle your to-do list. So ditch the takeout menus and dive into this easy, family-friendly feast!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta? 

This slow cooker creamy chicken pasta with cream cheese is absolutely loved because of several key reasons:

• It is incredibly easy to make. Simply chop the necessary ingredients, load them into your crockpot, press a few buttons, and then walk away, letting the slow cooker do all the work. Come dinnertime, add in the pasta and dinner is served with minimal effort.
• It delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction. The simple crockpot chicken pasta dish is loaded with creamy, cheesy, and warming flavors that come together in a wonderfully delicious masterpiece.
• The recipe is highly customizable. You can experiment with adding your favorite chopped veggies like broccoli or spinach to pack in more nutrients. You can also experiment with using a different type of protein, like beef or shrimp. Playing with different seasonings allows you to make it your very own one-of-a-kind meal.

With such easy preparation and endless possibilities for customization, it’s no wonder this cozy crockpot classic is pleasing both kids and adults alike!

Why Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta is Great for Toddlers?

I’ve found this slow cooker classic checks so many boxes for nutritious toddler feeding. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to week after week due to the following reasons:

• Balanced Nutrition: This recipe provides a well-rounded meal for toddlers as it combines high-quality protein from chicken with essential vitamins, minerals and energy from the pasta and sauces. The diverse combination of ingredients nourishes growing bodies.
• Kid-Friendly Flavors: Even the pickiest of eaters will love this dish, thanks to its creamy texture and flavorful blend of marinara and Alfredo sauces. You can customize it by leaving out ingredients like garlic or poultry seasoning to suit especially sensitive small palates.
• Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the cooking work, so busy parents can feel good about ensuring toddlers enjoy a homemade nutritious meal without much time spent in the kitchen. The fuss-free method makes this a go-to choice on nights when time is scarce.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce
• Cream cheese
• Mustard
• Mozzarella cheese or Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried pasta

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts? 

I’m always looking for ways to make meal prep as easy as possible while still keeping things healthy, tasty and safe. When I first saw directions for throwing frozen chicken breasts into the slow cooker, I was skeptical that it could truly be that simple. However, the USDA deems using frozen poultry in slow cookers perfectly safe for one key reason – the long, low cooking process allows time for meat to safely thaw and reach a temperature high enough to kill any potential bacteria.

Through much experimenting, I can confidently say feel good about skipping the thawing step when using this recipe. Simply break apart frozen breasts and submerge in the sauce ingredients in the cooker before programming 8–10 hours on low. The chicken absorbs robust flavor as it gradually cooks, and comes out juicier than if thawed beforehand, in my opinion. Of course, if you have extra time, thawing chicken in the fridge for a day or two is still the recommended method. But this slow cooker option saves precious time on hectic nights while still producing a wonderful family meal everyone will enjoy.

Make Creamy Chicken Pasta 

I appreciate recipes that come together easily, and this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta is as simple as it gets to set up. After pre-cooking the protein, all that’s needed is gathering a few pantry staples to toss into the slow cooker for it to work its magic while I’m busy with other tasks.

To get started, spray your crockpot generously with cooking spray. Add 1-11⁄2 pounds of chicken breasts and season all over with salt, pepper, onion powder and red pepper flakes to taste. I like to also sprinkle on some Italian seasoning. Top with 1 tbsp minced garlic and pour in a 15 oz jar of Alfredo sauce and a 24 oz jar of Marinara sauce. Or nestle in dollops of cream cheese and mustard until fully incorporated. I use a store brand cream cheese from my pantry that works great. Cook on low for 4–6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.

Once fall-apart tender, shred or cut up the chicken right in the crockpot with a spoon or two-pronged fork. Now add the shredded or cubed chicken back into the crockpot along with one cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine well. While it simmers on low, boil 16oz of your pasta shape of choice, like cellentani, in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1⁄2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Once tender, add the drained pasta to the crockpot. Stir everything well, adding a little reserved cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce.

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Serve the Creamy Chicken Pasta 

Serve the pasta with an extra topping of shredded Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. I love enjoying this comforting meal with crispy bread sticks on the side for soaking up every last bite of sauce. A simple Caesar salad or sautéed vegetables like roasted broccoli or green beans also pair well to make it a complete dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself after a long day, this crockpot creation is sure to be a new favorite cozy classic.

Tips and Variation Ideas 

Here are the additional tips and variation ideas for slow cooker creamy pasta recipes:

1. For crockpots smaller than 6 quarts, you may need to scale the recipe down so the sauce cooks properly.
2. You can swap in a different protein like turkey, beef or pork in place of the chicken.
3. Using blocks of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese yields a creamier consistency than pre-shredded.
4. Freshly minced garlic is more flavorful than jarred garlic in this recipe.
5. You can use more or less than 16oz of dried pasta, depending on what you have in your pantry.
6. Stir in a big handful of fresh spinach towards the end for a nutrient boost.
7. Try adding diced or cubed broccoli, cauliflower florets, delicious diced zucchini or sautéed mushrooms to bulk up the pasta dish.
8. Play with the flavor by experimenting with a simple seasoning mix like Italian or ranch to mix it up. Also, consider adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to heat things up.
9. For an extra creamy texture, stir in a bit of sour cream at the end of cooking.
10. Stir the contents of the crockpot occasionally, around every couple of hours, to ensure even cooking.
11. Serve with bread sticks, garlic bread or a fresh salad.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers? 

Once fully cooled to room temperature, securely seal any leftovers in airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freezer for 3 months for longer term storage. To thaw frozen leftovers, place the sealed container in the fridge overnight or for several hours before reheating.

To reheat, spread the pasta in a baking dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, until heated through. Alternatively, warm it on the stove in a saucepan over medium-low heat. You can also add a splash of water to the pan to maintain the creaminess of the sauce. Either method reheats the comforting flavors of hearty creamy chicken pasta recipes perfectly for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that comes together easily for busy weeknights. With protein, vegetables and carbohydrates all in one dish, it makes a nutritious and satisfying meal that will have everyone going back for seconds. The flexibility to personalize it with different herbs, vegetables or meats adds to its appeal. Most importantly, it allows you to savor a home-cooked dinner without spending long hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I put pasta in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook pasta directly in the slow cooker. The low and slow cooking environment hydrates the noodles gradually over several hours, allowing them to absorb the flavors from the surrounding sauce mixture. It may take a little longer than conventional pasta cooking, but results in tender pasta infused with flavor.

2. How long does raw pasta take to cook in a slow cooker?

Raw pasta typically takes between 6 and 8 hours on the low heat setting to become tender when cooked directly in a slow cooker. The pasta continues to absorb liquid and soften throughout the extended cooking time. It’s best to add uncooked pasta at the beginning of the slow cooking process to allow ample time for it to become nicely softened.

3. Can you put frozen chicken in slow cooker?

Yes, it’s fine to use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. However, you will need to increase the total cooking time by 1 to 2 hours when using frozen chicken pieces. Placing frozen chicken on the low heat setting allows it to thaw slowly throughout the longer duration, ensuring the inside reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F before eating.

4. Can you cook pasta directly in sauce?

Gently cooking pasta directly in a sauce within a slow cooker allows the noodles to optimally absorb the flavors from the simmering liquid over several hours. The pasta soaks up sauce as it softens incrementally. This creates pasta with rich flavor infused throughout each tender strand.

5. Should you cook pasta fast or slow?

While pasta can certainly cook slowly over many hours submerged in a simmering sauce inside the slow cooker, some prefer boiling it separately beforehand for a few minutes. This ensures the pasta doesn’t become overcooked and mushy from prolonged heat. As long as it finishes cooking gently in the sauce, both methods work well to result in tender, flavorful pasta.

6. Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in slow cooker?

For food safety reasons, it’s generally recommended to cook chicken using the low heat setting in a slow cooker. This setting maintains a safe internal temperature for a longer period of time without drying out the meat. Cooking chicken low and slow for 6 to 8 hours guarantees the inside reaches 165°F thoroughly without overcooking the exterior.

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Recipe by Carmen FoodieCourse: PastaCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

6

hours 

Calories

485

kcal

Total time

6

hours 

15

minutes

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a convenient and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs chicken breasts

• 1 15oz jar marinara sauce or 1 15oz jar alfredo sauce

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• 1⁄2 tsp salt

• 1⁄4 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp italian seasoning

• 1⁄4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 8 oz dried pasta

Directions

• Spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Add chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt, pepper, italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
• Add marinara or alfredo sauce, cream cheese, and mustard to crockpot. Stir to combine.
• Cook on Low for 6-8 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Remove chicken from crockpot and shred or cube. Return to crockpot and stir to combine with sauce.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to crockpot. Stir to combine.
• Stir in mozzarella or parmesan cheese. Mix well.
• Serve crockpot creamy chicken pasta warm, garnished with additional cheese if desired. Enjoy!