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Creamy Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

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A creamy, comforting crockpot chicken pasta recipe perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, featuring tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and pasta cooked right in the crockpot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing garlic)
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts and season lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side until just golden. This step adds flavor but can be skipped.
  3. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle minced garlic on top, then pour in chicken broth evenly.
  4. Dollop softened cream cheese across the top of the chicken and broth—do not mix yet.
  5. Spread the dry penne or rotini over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle remaining Italian seasoning, and season with a little more salt and pepper.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Check at 3 hours to see if pasta is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. The sauce should be bubbling gently around the edges.
  7. Remove chicken breasts with tongs, shred with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  9. Let cook uncovered for another 15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  10. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream. If too thin, cook uncovered a few extra minutes to reduce. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. Soften cream cheese before adding for smooth sauce. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Spray crockpot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, crockpot chicken pasta, slow cooker pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, creamy pasta recipe, chicken dinner

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/creamy-crockpot-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-for-cozy-weeknight-dinners/