If you’re looking for a dinner that requires almost no effort but still packs a punch of flavor, this Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is your new go-to. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together in the morning, forget about, and come home to a delicious, creamy, and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Think tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in one pot. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the definition of easy comfort food. With minimal prep, the crockpot does all the hard work, infusing the chicken with rich Italian seasonings while making a creamy, flavorful sauce. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—just a few key ingredients, some Italian herbs, and pasta to round it all out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this is the kind of meal that feels like a treat without the hassle. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup. Need I say more?
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients is at the bottom!)
For this fuss-free recipe, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients that come together to create a creamy, comforting dish.
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Italian dressing mix (or a homemade mix of herbs and spices)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite kind)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
These ingredients are simple, but when combined, they turn into something magical!
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. You don’t need to cut or do anything fancy with them—just set them in whole. The slow cooker will do all the work to break down the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Broth
Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over the chicken. If you’re using a homemade seasoning mix, combine dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the chicken broth and make sure the chicken is mostly covered with liquid.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. It should be nice and tender, pulling apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot.
Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese and Garlic
Cube the softened cream cheese and add it to the crockpot, along with the minced garlic. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. This is the magic that gives the dish that smooth, comforting texture.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
At this point, add your uncooked pasta to the crockpot. Stir it into the sauce, making sure it’s all coated. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 7: Add the Parmesan
Once the pasta is done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir it in until it’s well combined. The cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use thin chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally so they cook more evenly and faster. Thin breasts also shred more easily.
- Choose the right pasta: Penne, rotini, or shells work best for this recipe because they hold onto the creamy sauce. You can use any short pasta you prefer.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese: The cream cheese is what makes the sauce creamy and rich, so don’t skip it! If you want an even creamier texture, you can add a little heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
- Stir halfway through: Give the pasta a stir halfway through the cooking process to make sure everything cooks evenly and the pasta doesn’t stick.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll add a bit more richness and flavor to the dish.
- Veggie boost: Add some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition. You can toss them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get overcooked.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety. Rice or gluten-free penne works just as well for this dish.
- Creamy alternative: If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a one-pot meal that’s filling on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a few simple sides:
- Garlic bread: Serve with some warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Green salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta and balance out the meal.
- Roasted veggies: Try pairing this pasta with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a more wholesome meal.
- Wine pairing: A light Italian white wine, like Pinot Grigio or a Chardonnay, would be perfect with this dish. If you prefer red, a soft Pinot Noir would also work beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? You’re in luck! This recipe stores well and can be enjoyed the next day (or even the day after). Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken up in the fridge. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
You can also freeze this dish! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and again, add a bit of liquid to bring it back to the right consistency.
4 FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them on high for about 4 hours, or until fully cooked. You may need to shred them directly in the crockpot once they’re done. - Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more Parmesan or even mozzarella cheese to the sauce for extra gooeyness. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you like, but keep in mind that some may require more or less cooking time, so be sure to check the texture while the pasta cooks. - Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! This creamy, cheesy pasta is definitely a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking if you’re worried about it being too strong for little ones.
Conclusion
This Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is the ultimate no-fuss dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting, making it a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dinner for a crowd, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. Set it and forget it—this meal is here to make your life easier and your taste buds happier!
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Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high (cooking chicken) + 30-40 minutes for pasta
- Total Time: 4.5 to 7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Crockpot, Comfort Food
- Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Description
A creamy, comforting chicken pasta dish made in the crockpot with minimal prep. Tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one pot, making it an effortless family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (or homemade mix: dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle Italian seasoning mix over the chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Ensure the chicken is mostly covered.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
- Add the Cream Cheese and Garlic: Cube the cream cheese and add to the crockpot along with minced garlic. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines into a creamy sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to coat. Cook on low for 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until fully incorporated.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: For richer flavor, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs.
- Pasta: Penne, rotini, or short pasta works best as they hold the creamy sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: It makes the sauce creamy and rich. You can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream for an even creamier texture.
- Stir Halfway: Stir the pasta halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg