This Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a cozy dish that’s super easy to make! Just toss in chicken, pasta, your favorite sauce, and some cheese—yum!
I love how the slow cooker does all the work. It’s perfect for busy days when I want a warm meal waiting for me. Plus, who can resist cheesy goodness? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re short on time or want a different flavor, shredded rotisserie chicken works well too! You can also use chicken thighs for a richer taste.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in your dish. Vegetable broth is a good substitute if you prefer a lighter flavor or want a vegetarian option.
Pasta: Rotini pasta holds onto sauces nicely, but you can swap it for penne or fusilli if you prefer. Just make sure the pasta is uncooked when you add it to the crockpot.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. This will change the flavor a bit so keep that in mind!
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for a creamy pasta. If you’re looking for something milder, a blend with mozzarella can add extra creaminess. You could also try Parmesan for a sharper taste.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker can be tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- After the chicken has cooked and shredded, add the uncooked rotini and heavy cream.
- Mix everything well and cover the crockpot. Cook on low for an additional 30-60 minutes. This gives the pasta time to absorb flavors and become tender.
- Stir the pasta occasionally. This helps prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts, creating a creamy texture. Taste and season as needed. Enjoy your meal!
Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
For Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano/basil mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend with mozzarella for creaminess)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Chicken Pasta will take about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll let it cook for about 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high). It’ll be ready to enjoy with just a quick stir near the end and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for flavor. Make sure each piece is well seasoned!
2. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken breasts. This broth will keep the chicken moist while cooking and will add great flavor to the pasta later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and very tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once done cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It should be super easy to shred!
5. Add Pasta and Cream:
Now it’s time for the rotini pasta! Add the uncooked rotini and heavy cream to the crockpot, stirring everything to combine. This is where the magic happens!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed together nicely.
7. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour on low. This is when the rotini will cook through and soak up all those wonderful flavors. Don’t forget to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick!
8. Add the Cheese:
When the pasta is tender, it’s time to stir in the shredded cheese. Mix until it’s melted and creates a deliciously creamy texture.
9. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it to be just right!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out generous portions of your creamy, comforting pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of paprika for a bit of flair!
Dig in and enjoy your hearty Crockpot Chicken Pasta! Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour. Make sure to cook it on high for the first 2-3 hours, then shred it as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Rotini Pasta?
No worries! You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even bow ties. Just ensure that the pasta is uncooked when adding it to the crockpot.
Can I Make This Recipe without Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free option like coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on what you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk if it seems too thick.