Creamy Chicken Pasta – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe! This delightful dish is perfect for busy days when you crave a hearty and satisfying meal without all the fuss. Tender chicken breasts seasoned to perfection, combined with flavorful marinara sauce and velvety penne pasta, create a luscious and creamy pasta feast that’ll leave you wanting more. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe will become your go-to for a delicious and stress-free dinner option!
In our little family, we have a tradition of trying out new recipes every weekend. One rainy Saturday, I stumbled upon this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe while browsing for comfort food ideas. Intrigued by its simplicity and rave reviews, I decided to give it a shot. The moment we opened the front door later that evening, the enticing aroma of Italian seasoning and marinara sauce welcomed us home. With each bite, our taste buds were in pasta paradise! From that day on, this recipe became our ultimate comfort dish, adding warmth and joy to our family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners.
Why This Creamy Chicken Pasta Will Steal Your Heart?
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe lets you achieve a gourmet-level meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, tenderizing the chicken and infusing the pasta with incredible flavors, while you get to relax or attend to other tasks.
- Creamy Dreamy Delight: The secret ingredient that elevates this dish to heavenly heights is the luxurious heavy cream. It creates a creamy, rich sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken and pasta, making each bite a delectable dream come true.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: You can customize the seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste preference. For a mild option, simply omit the red pepper flakes, while those who crave a hint of heat can sprinkle in some extra spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24.5 oz. (694g) marinara sauce, jarred or homemade
- 24.5 oz. (694g) water
- 16 oz. (454g) penne pasta, or any short pasta noodle (uncooked)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
Directions:
Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in an even layer at the bottom of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker.
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, and to ensure no delicious sauce goes to waste, fill the empty marinara sauce jar with water, give it a good shake, and then pour the water into the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, and either shred it or cut it into cubes.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, and add the uncooked penne pasta and heavy cream. Press the pasta down to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.
Close the lid again, adjust the setting to low heat, and cook for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how firm you like your noodles.
Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly and absorb all the creamy goodness.
Serve hot, paired with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though we doubt there’ll be much left after everyone gets a taste of this scrumptious creation!
Notes:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to toss in some fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
In conclusion, our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe is a true culinary delight that brings together the warmth of home-cooked goodness and the convenience of a slow cooker. With its rich and velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is bound to win over the hearts and taste buds of everyone at your table.
Not only does this recipe make for an effortless and stress-free cooking experience, but it also holds the power to create lasting memories with your loved ones. The comforting aroma filling your home as the slow cooker works its magic will beckon your family to gather around, eagerly anticipating the feast that awaits them.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or planning a cozy get-together with friends, our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Its versatility allows for customization, making it easy to adapt to your personal preferences and dietary needs.
So, why wait any longer? Take a leap into the world of creamy Italian goodness and let this recipe become a beloved addition to your family’s cookbook. Relish in the joy of sharing this delightful meal with your loved ones, knowing that every bite carries the warmth and love that make mealtimes truly special.
Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and create cherished moments with our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta. From our family to yours, we wish you many happy and delicious meals shared around the table!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta is traditional for this recipe, you can use any short pasta noodle you have on hand, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken breasts?
We recommend using thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and to ensure the pasta doesn’t become overcooked.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish. However, keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
How can I add some vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the pasta may become a bit softer upon reheating, you can certainly freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 24.5 oz. 694g marinara sauce, jarred or homemade
- 24.5 oz. 694g water
- 16 oz. 454g penne pasta, or any short pasta noodle (uncooked)
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in an even layer at the bottom of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, and to ensure no delicious sauce goes to waste, fill the empty marinara sauce jar with water, give it a good shake, and then pour the water into the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, and either shred it or cut it into cubes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker, and add the uncooked penne pasta and heavy cream. Press the pasta down to ensure it's submerged in the liquid.
- Close the lid again, adjust the setting to low heat, and cook for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how firm you like your noodles.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly and absorb all the creamy goodness.
- Serve hot, paired with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though we doubt there'll be much left after everyone gets a taste of this scrumptious creation!
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