This Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a cozy and delicious meal that cooks itself! Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta come together easily for a comforting dish.
I love how everything just simmers together in the crockpot, saving time for more important things—like deciding what to binge-watch! 🍝
It’s super easy; just throw the ingredients in and let it work its magic. You’ll have a hearty dinner with minimal effort—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook up tender. If you want to mix it up, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor or even turkey if that’s what you have on hand!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even whole milk. If you’re looking for a dairy-free choice, coconut milk or cashew cream can provide a creamy texture without the dairy.
Pasta: Penne is a classic, but feel free to swap in any pasta shape you love, such as rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if you need. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.
Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are delicious, you can experiment with cheese based on your preference. Cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses work wonderfully too!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Tender and Flavors Well Mixed?
The key step here is to cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding it. This not only allows the chicken to absorb flavors but also makes shredding easy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours without lifting the lid to keep the heat in.
- Shred the chicken while it’s still warm. This way, it will easily fall apart and soak up all the delicious sauce when you stir it back into the pot.
- After adding the pasta, let it cook until just tender. Stir occasionally to avoid clumping together.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy a wonderfully creamy and flavorful pasta dish that everyone will love!
Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
- For Toppings:
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 5 to 6 hours to cook in the crockpot, depending on whether you choose to cook on low or high heat. So, sit back and relax while it does all the work for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will serve as the base for your delicious meal.
2. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, chopped onion if you’re using it, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine the liquids and herbs around the chicken.
3. Let it Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when it’s done!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out of the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily!
5. Combine and Cook the Pasta:
Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, the next step is to add the dry pasta straight into the pot. Stir gently to make sure the pasta is submerged in the creamy sauce. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, checking occasionally until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
6. Mix in the Cheeses:
When the pasta is ready, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Give it a moment, and watch as it melts into a creamy, delicious sauce.
7. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, taste your creation and add more salt and pepper if needed. Lastly, serve hot, garnished with a dash of paprika and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Crockpot Chicken Pasta! It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just note that it will take longer to cook; plan for about 6 to 7 hours on low or 3.5 to 4 hours on high. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk works well too. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream will maintain the creamy texture without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens up too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender but not overcooked.
