Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta (Crockpot Recipe)

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a slow cooker meal with tender shredded chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce. The hands-off cooking time makes it worth making when you want a warm dinner without standing over the stove. As it cooks, the chicken and Italian seasoning fill the kitchen with a cozy savory smell. I like making this on a busy evening when there is time to let the slow cooker handle most of the work.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Hands-off cooking: The chicken cooks in the slow cooker while you take care of other things.
• Creamy sauce: Heavy cream, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes make a smooth sauce for the pasta.
• Simple ingredients: You only need chicken, pasta, pantry seasonings, and a few basic additions.
• Tender chicken: The chicken cooks until tender, then shreds easily with two forks.
• Easy finishing touch: Parmesan cheese and parsley add a simple topping at serving time.

How To Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Stir the heavy cream, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together, then pour the mixture over the chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender. Near the end, cook the pasta separately according to the package directions. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker, stir in the pasta, and serve with Parmesan and parsley.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of chicken breasts
• 8 ounces of pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
6. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker with two forks.
7. Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker.
8. Serve warm with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

How To Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls so the creamy sauce stays with every portion. Add grated Parmesan just before eating, and sprinkle on chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

A simple green salad makes an easy side. You can also serve steamed vegetables or warm bread to round out the meal. For a casual dinner, pair it with water, iced tea, or another drink you enjoy. This dish works well for a weeknight meal because the chicken cooks in the slow cooker and the pasta comes together near serving time.

How To Store Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Let leftovers cool before placing them in a covered container. Store Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days.

For the best texture, reheat individual portions gently in the microwave, stirring once during reheating. You can also warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so add a small amount of liquid if needed while reheating. Freeze leftovers only if you are comfortable with a softer pasta texture after thawing.

Tips For Making Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Use chicken breasts of a similar size so they cook at about the same rate.
• Mix the sauce ingredients well before pouring them over the chicken.
• Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking to help maintain the cooking environment.
• Cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions instead of adding it at the beginning.
• Shred the chicken while it is still in the slow cooker so the meat can mix with the sauce.
• Add Parmesan at the table so each person can choose how much cheese to use.

Variations

• Ingredient swap: Use penne or rotini, depending on the pasta shape you have available.
• Add-in: Stir in extra chopped parsley at serving time, or use more Parmesan for a cheesier topping.
• Different method: For a non-slow-cooker option, cook the chicken and sauce in a covered pot or skillet until the chicken is cooked through, then shred it and combine it with separately cooked pasta.

FAQs

Can I Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta With Chicken Thighs?

The recipe calls for chicken breasts, but chicken thighs can be used as an option. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and tender before shredding it.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?

Yes. The recipe gives penne or rotini as examples, and other pasta shapes can also work. Cook the pasta according to its package instructions, then stir it into the slow cooker near the end.

Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead Of Time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate them in a covered container. Cook the pasta close to serving time for the best texture, and combine it with the shredded chicken and sauce when ready to eat.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Doubling the recipe may require a larger slow cooker so the ingredients fit without crowding. Since the cooking time can change with a larger amount of food, check that the chicken is cooked through and tender before shredding it.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Done?

The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and tender enough to shred with two forks. Follow the recipe’s timing of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, then check the chicken before adding the pasta.

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