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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot by lightly coating with non-stick spray, ensuring even coverage for easy cleanup.
- Arrange chicken breasts in the crockpot and generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to infuse deep flavor.
- 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.
- Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from crockpot and carefully shred or cube into bite-sized pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the sauce and fold in mozzarella cheese until melted and integrated, creating a luxurious, stretchy texture.
- Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot according to package directions, ensuring al dente consistency.
- Drain pasta thoroughly and gently incorporate into the creamy chicken mixture, stirring to coat each noodle with the flavorful sauce.
- Plate the pasta and generously garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
- 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