Cozy Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Comfort Days

Whipping up a delightful crockpot creamy chicken pasta promises comfort and ease for busy home cooks.

Slow cookers work magic with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender chicken melts into a rich, velvety sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners become stress-free when you can toss everything into one pot and walk away.

Minimal prep means more time relaxing and enjoying a delicious, satisfying meal with loved ones.

Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Comfort in Every Bite: Why You’ll Love This Pasta

• Stress-Free Cooking: Perfect for busy individuals who want a delicious meal without complicated steps, this crockpot recipe requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do the hard work.
• Family-Pleasing Comfort: Loaded with creamy sauces, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken, this pasta dish delivers crowd-pleasing flavors that will make everyone at the table happy.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, you can swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to create a personalized dinner that suits your taste buds.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using a single crockpot means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe a dream for those who dislike spending hours scrubbing pots and pans after cooking.

What You’ll Need for Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic spices that add depth and subtle heat to the chicken.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a robust and fragrant base for the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic tomato-based flavor to the dish.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the pasta.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a stretchy, mild cheese element.
• Parmesan Cheese, Dried Parsley: Sprinkled on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the chicken.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta in a Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. Gently place chicken breasts inside.

Sprinkle a flavor explosion of salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes all over the chicken to create a mouthwatering foundation.

Step 2: Add Saucy Goodness

Scatter minced garlic across the chicken.

Pour marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce generously over the top. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Shred and Transform Chicken

Once the chicken reaches a perfect internal temperature of 165°F, carefully remove it. Shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return the chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it into the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Stir in a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Keep the slow cooker on low to help the cheese melt into a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 5: Cook and Combine Pasta

While the cheese melts, cook pasta according to package instructions.

Drain the pasta and add it directly into the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure every pasta piece is coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate your creation and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. For a complete meal, serve alongside crispy breadsticks or a fresh Caesar salad.

Enjoy your comforting and creamy pasta masterpiece!

Creamy Chicken Pasta Tips for a Silky Sauce

• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor depth and aromatic richness.
• Choose low-sodium marinara and Alfredo sauces to control salt intake and create a healthier version.
• Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat that stays moist during slow cooking.
• For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta and verify that marinara and Alfredo sauces are certified gluten-free.
• Prep ingredients the night before to save time and ensure a stress-free cooking experience in the morning.

Creamy Pasta Variations to Try This Week

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace marinara with salsa, add diced green chilies, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Use Greek yogurt instead of Alfredo sauce, incorporate kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Substitute Alfredo sauce with prepared pesto, add sun-dried tomatoes, and top with toasted pine nuts for an herbaceous and rich variation.
• Veggie-Loaded Chicken Pasta: Mix in roasted bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini during the last hour of cooking to boost nutritional value and add colorful vegetables to the recipe.

What Goes Well with Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that cuts through the creamy richness and complements the herb-infused marinara sauce.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Crispy, buttery breadsticks rolled in Parmesan cheese perfectly soak up the creamy sauce and add delightful texture to the meal.
• Create a Fresh Caesar Salad Side: Crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a light, zesty contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Enhance with Herbed Focaccia Bread: Soft, olive oil-brushed focaccia with rosemary and sea salt offers a Mediterranean-inspired accompaniment that balances the creamy chicken pasta.

The Right Way to Store Your Creamy Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining quality.
• Freeze: Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of milk or broth. Stir gently until heated through, preventing sauce from separating or pasta from becoming tough.

Your Top Questions About This Crockpot Pasta

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can substitute marinara with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Add some Italian herbs to maintain the flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy chicken pasta stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Sure! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce during cooking to boost the heat level to your preference.

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta, a hearty dish that promises rich flavors and minimal kitchen effort. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta blend seamlessly, creating a meal where you can savor every delicious bite without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Sauces and Cheeses:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 15 ounces (425 grams) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 16 ounces (454 grams) pasta (Cellentani recommended)
• Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Dried parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crockpot by lightly coating with non-stick spray, ensuring even coverage for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in the crockpot and generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to infuse deep flavor.
3. Distribute minced garlic evenly over the chicken, then pour marinara and Alfredo sauces to create a rich, creamy base. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from crockpot and carefully shred or cube into bite-sized pieces.
5. Return shredded chicken to the sauce and fold in mozzarella cheese until melted and integrated, creating a luxurious, stretchy texture.
6. Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot according to package directions, ensuring al dente consistency.
7. Drain pasta thoroughly and gently incorporate into the creamy chicken mixture, stirring to coat each noodle with the flavorful sauce.
8. Plate the pasta and generously garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
9. Complement the dish with crispy breadsticks or a zesty Caesar salad to round out the meal.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra moisture and deeper flavor, ensuring tender meat that falls apart easily.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara and homemade Alfredo sauce, perfect for health-conscious families.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone.
• Transform into a gluten-free meal by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles without compromising creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg