Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken pasta recipe promises an effortless culinary adventure that sparks joy in your kitchen.

Busy home cooks will appreciate this simple one-pot solution for weeknight dinners.

Tender chicken melts into a creamy sauce, creating layers of comfort and flavor.

Minimal prep work means maximum relaxation while your trusty slow cooker does the heavy lifting.

Fragrant herbs and rich seasonings infuse every bite with irresistible warmth.

Weeknight meal planning just became deliciously stress-free with this game-changing dish.

Dive into a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Slow-Cooked Chicken Pasta That Feels Like a Hug

• Effortless Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off meal that's perfect for busy days.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and creamy goodness from cream cheese, this dish delivers a balanced meal in a single pot.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines kid-pleasing pasta with grown-up touches like sundried tomatoes and Parmesan, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
• Meal Prep Champion: Easily adaptable for leftovers and simple to store, this recipe saves time and provides delicious meals throughout the week.

Honey Bun Brownies Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, flavorful protein that forms the base of the dish.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor to the slow cooker meal.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Blend of spices that enhances the chicken's taste.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Brings tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of green and nutritional boost.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta for Comfort Food

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them with a flavor explosion of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Nestle these seasoned beauties into your slow cooker, ready for their magical transformation.

Step 2: Add Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth over the chicken, creating a delicious bath. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its wonder – low and slow for 4 hours or quick and hot for 2 hours.

Step 3: Creamy Dreamy Twist

• Cream cheese
• Sundried tomatoes

Stir until the cream cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Step 4: Shred and Return

Carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to transform it into tender, juicy shreds. Return the shredded chicken back to its saucy home in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Pasta and Greens Party

• Uncooked penne pasta
• Fresh spinach

Continue cooking until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all the incredible flavors.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Dish out this comforting meal and crown it with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Each bite promises pure culinary bliss!

Pasta Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Comfort

• Boost Flavor Depth: Sear chicken breasts in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker for an extra layer of rich, caramelized taste.
• Prevent Pasta Mushiness: Add pasta closer to the end of cooking time to ensure perfectly al dente texture and prevent overcooking.
• Make It Creamy: Whisk cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce throughout the dish.
• Customize Greens: Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and slightly varied flavor experience.
• Dietary Swap Options: Use gluten-free pasta and low-sodium chicken broth to accommodate gluten-sensitive or sodium-restricted diets.

Chicken Pasta Slow Cooker Style Store With Comfort

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Removes excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Chicken Pasta in Slow Cooker Enjoyment Picks

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy richness of the dish and complement the sundried tomatoes.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with fresh basil and parsley to bring a bright, zesty element that balances the heavy, comforting pasta.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Add a refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and lighten the meal's overall richness.

Chicken Pasta Slow Cooker Options

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant diets.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat and create a more zesty flavor profile for those who enjoy spicier dishes.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.

• Is it okay to substitute the type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells. Just keep the quantity and cooking time similar to penne.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Try using low-fat cream cheese, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or use a combination of these individual herbs to match the flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian-style slow cooker chicken pasta delivers comfort in every savory bite. Rich flavors blend perfectly, offering home cooks an effortless meal that promises delicious results with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Carefully coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Gently nestle seasoned chicken into the slow cooker and bathe with rich, savory broth to promote tender, succulent meat.
3. Allow chicken to slowly simmer and develop deep, complex flavors, maintaining low heat for approximately 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours.
4. Once chicken reaches optimal tenderness, introduce velvety cream cheese and tangy sundried tomatoes, stirring methodically to create a luxurious, creamy base.
5. Extract chicken from the liquid and delicately shred using two forks, maintaining its delicate texture and moisture.
6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, creating a harmonious blend of proteins and sauce.
7. Incorporate uncooked penne pasta and fresh, vibrant spinach approximately 30 minutes before completion, allowing ingredients to meld and pasta to absorb surrounding flavors.
8. Continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency, ensuring a satisfying texture throughout the dish.
9. Transfer the creamy, aromatic pasta to serving dishes and crown with a generous sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese for a final touch of richness.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy shredding in the slow cooker.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent an overly salty dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories.
• Consider gluten-free penne pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg