How can I save my sanity more times than I can count?Crockpot Chicken Pasta: WhatIs it like a warm hug in the bowl? If you’re a fan of easy dinners, and let’s be honest, who isn’t? This one is going to rock your world. Is it easier to bake ziti? What’s the best part about a crockpot? What is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling dozens of things and you can’t sleep at night? What’s the last thing you want to do when you’re slaving away in the kitchen?
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What is crockpot chicken pasta?
Think of Crockpot Chicken Pasta: WhatAs the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s essentially tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all tangled up with the flavor of the onion. How do I cook pasta? What is the beauty of using a crockpot? What is the depth of flavor that you can’t get on the stovetop? I think the name speaks for itself. It is cooked in a crockpot and it is chicken pasta.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do you love about this book?Crockpot Chicken Pasta: WhatHow easy it is to do something? Is it embarrassing how little effort it takes for such a delicious result? I love that I can use mostly pantry staples to make it. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, which is always a win in my book. Why do I love this flavor? The creamy sauce is so rich and comforting, and the chicken is melt in your mouth tender. My kids ask for this all the time, and even my picky eater devours it. Is it incredibly versatile? Can you customize it with different veggies, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste? If you like my recipe for creamy tomato pasta, you will love this one.
How do I make crockpot chicken pasta?
Quick Overview
Making Crockpot Chicken Pasta. CIs it as easy as it gets? How do you cook chicken, pasta, sauce ingredients in a crockpot, set it on low, and serve it immediately? Let it do its thing. How does the crockpot work? Is it foolproof?
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Base: For The Chicken and Base.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always buy organic when I can, but any chicken will do. Make sure they’re thawed!
- What’s your favorite marinara sauce? I like Rao’s, but a store brand works great too.
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain them! The juice adds flavor.
- 1 packet of Italian dressing mix: This adds a ton of flavor and our secret weapon.
- What are some good things with garlic powder?
What is Creamy Sauce?
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is key for the creaminess. Make sure it’s softened, otherwise, it won’t mix well.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps thin out the sauce.
- Why is mozzarella cheese so good?
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, cheesy goodness.
For the Pasta:
- I usually use penne, but any short pasta will work.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. How do you serve marinara sauce over chicken? Garnish with Italian dressing mix and garlic powder.
Step 2: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. How do I suck up a chicken breast with my fork? I always do a check at the 6-hour mark on low just to make sure the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Shred Chicken
Remove chicken from crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return chicken to crockpot.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. I tend to undercook the pasta a bit because it will continue to cook in the crockpot, preventing it from sticking to the pan.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese
How do you add the cream cheese and heavy cream to a crockpot? Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Where the magic happens!
Step 6: Add Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and the mozzarella until melted and gooey. I always steal a bite here – it’s too good to resist!
Step 7: Combine Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot and enjoy! I like to garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
What should I serve it with?
Crockpot Chicken Pasta: HowWhat are some good ideas for rounding out a meal?For a Simple Side: For the Simple side:A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Is it the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the pasta?For Something Hearty:What is better: garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks?For a Veggie Boost:Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. I just toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. My family loves it with a Caesar salad. What are some good ways to make a creamy dressing for pasta? What is the perfect dinner pairing?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Chicken Prep: Make sure your chicken breasts are fully thawed before cooking. This will ensure they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
Cream Cheese: Using fully softened cream cheese is key to getting a smooth, creamy sauce. If it’s not soft enough, it will clump up and be difficult to mix in.
Pasta Cooking: Don’t overcook the pasta! I like to cook it al dente because it will continue to cook in the crockpot and you don’t want it to get mushy.
Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of cheddar would be delicious in this recipe. You can add a little kick by adding some pepperjack.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. I did this and will never go back!
Veggie Additions: Feel free to add some veggies to the crockpot along with the chicken. Sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be great additions. They cook along with the chicken and add another layer of flavor.
Searing the chicken: Before adding the chicken breasts to the crockpot, sear them in a pan with a bit of olive oil until lightly browned. This adds another layer of flavor. It is not necessary, but a nice touch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving Crockpot Chicken Pasta at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze Crockpot Chicken Pasta for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out. Be sure that it has been heated all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a winner for so many reasons. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. And if you’re looking for more easy crockpot recipes, be sure to check out my slow cooker beef stew. Happy cooking!
How to Make the Best Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 12 ounces lemon herb marinade your favorite brand
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 0.5 cup whole milk or 2% milk
- 16 ounces fettuccine pasta uncooked
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour the lemon herb marinade over the chicken.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the marinade.
- Add the cubed cream cheese on top.
- Pour the milk into an empty marinade bottle, shake, and pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken shreds apart easily.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Shred the cooked chicken in the slow cooker using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the slow cooker and mix well to coat the pasta.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the serving dish and serve warm.
