This Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and so simple to make. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a comforting dish that requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need an easy dinner everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Set it and forget it – the crockpot does all the work
- Rich and creamy – full of Italian flavors with a velvety sauce
- Versatile – serve over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles
- Great for leftovers – reheats beautifully for meal prep
Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
- chicken broth
- package cream cheese, cubed
- heavy cream
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- grated Parmesan cheese
- penne or rotini pasta, cooked
- fresh basil, chopped
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below.
Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the Italian dressing, marinara sauce, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred the Chicken and Stir in Cream Cheese
Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and blended into the sauce.
Cook the Pasta and Combine
Boil the pasta separately according to package directions. Drain and mix into the crockpot with the creamy Italian chicken mixture.
Add Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stir, and let everything meld together. Serve warm with fresh basil or extra cheese on top.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness
- Stir in spinach or mushrooms for added texture and flavor
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken breast for rotisserie chicken to save time
- Use alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a different flavor twist
- Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary needs
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with garlic bread, a crisp side salad, or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements it well.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta?
Yes! Freeze without the pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well.
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and parmesan alternatives.
Conclusion
This Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is creamy, rich, and packed with Italian flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just want an easy dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it and enjoy every bite!
PrintEasy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish made with tender slow-cooked chicken, Italian seasonings, and a rich tomato-cream sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal the whole family will love—just set it and forget it!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Want more veggies? Stir in spinach or mushrooms before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: ~900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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