Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Pasta
This rich and comforting Crock Pot recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an easy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (shells, bowties, or ditalini work well)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, added at the end)
- Fresh basil and additional Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Base
- Place the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
- Add chicken broth, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture to combine and coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth mixture.
Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Pasta
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and uncooked pasta.
- Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Spinach (Optional)
- If using fresh spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until it wilts.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the pasta and substitute with zucchini noodles or add extra spinach for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a bolder flavor.
Tips for Success
- Pasta Tip: Choose small pasta shapes that cook evenly in the Crock Pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make It Thicker: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in with the cream.
- Reheating Leftovers: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to rehydrate the pasta when reheating.
This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Pasta is a versatile and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.