Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal

Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Add the Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle Italian seasoning mix over the chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Ensure the chicken is mostly covered.
  3. 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.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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