This Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a warm and comforting meal that’s super easy to make. Just throw in chicken, pasta, and your favorite sauce, then let it cook while you relax.
You won’t believe how juicy the chicken turns out! It’s a family favorite at my house. Perfect for busy days—just stir it up and enjoy a cozy dinner without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breasts are a common choice, but thighs add more flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey or even plant-based substitutes like tofu.
Pasta: Short pasta types are best for this dish. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter version.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness. If you want to lighten things up, use low-fat cream cheese or silken tofu for a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds protein. If you want a non-dairy choice, look for vegan sour cream or even coconut cream.
Cheese: I love a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for creaminess. If you’re lactose-intolerant, dairy-free cheese works too!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
Getting shredded chicken right is crucial for this dish! After cooking, gently remove the chicken from the slow cooker. I find using two forks is easiest: just pull them apart in opposite directions. Shredding while the chicken is warm ensures it’s tender and easier to work with.
- Be patient—let the chicken cool for a couple of minutes before shredding, but not too much or it’ll be hard to pull apart.
- If you’re in a hurry, using a mixer on low speed can speed up the shredding process!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Pasta?
Cooking pasta separately may seem tedious, but it ensures it’s perfectly al dente. Overcooking pasta in the crockpot can lead to mushiness. Here’s a quick way:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Taste-test a minute or two before the time is up to find your perfect texture.
- Drain, rinse with cool water to stop cooking, and set aside until ready to mix in.
How to Make It Extra Creamy?
For that extra creamy texture, make sure the cream cheese and shredded cheese melt well together. Stir them into the warm sauce thoroughly. If you like it creamier, you can always add a splash more broth or a bit of heavy cream. Enjoy your cozy meal!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 12 oz pasta (preferably short pasta like penne, rotini, or egg noodles)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, depending on desired sauce style)
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1½ to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano/basil mix
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil (for optional searing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Crockpot Chicken Pasta takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then lets your crockpot do the work! You’ll need around 5-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH, depending on your schedule. While it cooks, you can relax and enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Chicken:
If you want a richer flavor, lightly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and half the paprika. Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s lightly browned. This step adds great flavor but is completely optional.
2. Set Up The Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken for extra flavor.
3. Add The Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth and, if desired, add the diced tomatoes. Then, sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, the remaining paprika, and add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook It!
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
5. Shred The Chicken:
Once the chicken is done cooking, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this will make it easier to mix into your pasta later!
6. Add Creamy Ingredients:
In the crockpot, add the cubed cream cheese and sour cream. Stir well until everything is combined and creamy.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Add in the shredded cheese and stir until it melts and mixes smoothly with the sauce.
8. Mix In The Chicken:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir to combine with the creamy mixture.
9. Cook The Pasta:
While the chicken and sauce are warming together, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta well.
10. Combine Everything:
Stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot with the chicken and sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
11. Final Warm-Up:
Let everything warm together on LOW for an additional 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Crockpot Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of extra paprika or black pepper for a pop of color. Enjoy this comforting meal!
This recipe yields a creamy, flavorful chicken pasta that’s perfect for a no-fuss dinner made mostly in your crockpot!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to cook it on HIGH for about 4-5 hours, as it will take longer to reach the right temperature. Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the cooked pasta. Just warm everything on low in the crockpot before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese or even silken tofu for a dairy-free alternative. Both will still give you that creamy texture!
