Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

There’s something magical about a slow-cooked meal that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas, promising a comforting and satisfying dish at the end of the day. This Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is exactly that—creamy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort or a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe is the perfect choice.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

I love recipes like this because they remind me of the effortless yet delicious meals my family used to make growing up. Tossing everything into a slow cooker in the morning and coming back hours later to a fully cooked meal always feels a little like magic. Plus, the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you love Italian-inspired flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, you’ll adore this dish. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with seasonings that make every bite burst with flavor. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it an easy option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do the work. No complicated steps!
• Rich & Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a deliciously creamy sauce.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or lunch the next day.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild Italian flavors make this a hit with kids and picky eaters.
• Customizable: Swap out the pasta shape, add veggies, or adjust the spices to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs plenty of flavor as it cooks.

Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot

Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the chicken broth over the top, then add the softened cream cheese in chunks. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken & Add Creamy Goodness

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crock pot. Stir well to combine the shredded chicken with the melted cream cheese and broth mixture.

Next, pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is coming together, cook the penne pasta separately according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it directly into the crock pot, stirring to coat every piece in the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Final Touches & Serve

Give the dish one final stir, ensuring everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of additional chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it up. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

Helpful Tips

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Add Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Pasta Shapes: While penne works great, you can swap it for rotini, bowtie, or even spaghetti.
• Thin the Sauce if Needed: If the sauce gets too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Comfort Food

Notes

• If you prefer a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for whole milk and use reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~550
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fat: ~30g
• Sodium: ~850mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about an hour. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

Can I Cook the Pasta in the Crock Pot Instead of Separately?

You can, but it’s best to cook the pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy. If you prefer to cook it in the crock pot, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking, along with an extra ½ cup of broth to help it cook properly.

What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even evaporated milk for a lighter option. Keep in mind, the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?

To lighten it up, use reduced-fat cream cheese, swap the heavy cream for milk, and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the shredded chicken and creamy sauce in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen without the pasta for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and stir in freshly cooked pasta.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting meals:

• Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese

• One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than an easy, creamy, and delicious meal that practically cooks itself. This Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with rich Italian flavors the whole family will love. So grab your slow cooker, set it, and forget it—until it’s time to dig in!

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