This Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta all cooked together, it’s super easy to make.
You just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the magic while you relax. I love that I can come home to a delicious meal waiting for me. So simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: The main protein in this dish. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat or even a mix of both for more flavor.
Chicken Broth: Essential for flavor. You can swap it out with vegetable broth for a lighter dish or low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Homemade broth adds a special touch!
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce creamy. You can use half-and-half if you’re looking for something a bit lighter or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option!
Pasta: While twisted pasta like gemelli or rotini works best, feel free to use penne or any pasta shape you love. Just watch the cooking time as it may vary.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can be used.
How Can You Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken is key for blending it nicely in the pasta. Here’s how to nail it:
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked; it should shred easily with a fork. If it’s undercooked, keep it in the crockpot longer!
- Use two forks to hold the chicken in place, using the other fork to pull apart the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- If you want to save time, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to quickly shred the chicken right in the crockpot!
Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 8 ounces pasta (twisted pasta like gemelli or rotini works well)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh basil, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 4-5 hours to cook on low (or 2-3 hours on high), plus about 30-45 minutes more once you add the pasta. Just set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts into the crockpot. Cover them with the flavorful chicken broth and creamy heavy cream. This will make your pasta sauce rich and delicious!
2. Season It Up:
Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, along with some salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle mix so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot to keep it warm.
5. Add the Pasta:
Toss in the uncooked pasta into the crockpot, stirring well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the creamy broth. This will help it cook evenly.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Continue cooking on high for an additional 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally and check to make sure the pasta is tender. If necessary, you can add a splash more broth if things seem too thick!
7. Finish with Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and has blended well into the sauce—this will make it creamy and cheesy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the hearty pasta while it’s hot, and garnish each serving with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit spicy! Enjoy your comforting dinner!
This recipe creates a creamy, comforting chicken pasta dish with tender shredded chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all made conveniently in the crockpot. The basil and red pepper flakes add a fresh and slightly spicy finish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly with different alternatives.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce if it thickens.
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
Twisted pasta like gemelli or rotini is ideal since it holds the sauce well, but other shapes like penne or fusilli will also work. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook!
