This Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a warm and cozy dish that’s super easy to make. With tender chicken, hearty pasta, and creamy sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest!
Plus, the best part? You just set it and forget it! I can’t resist the smell wafting through the house while it cooks. Perfect for busy days! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne because its shape holds the sauce really well. If you don’t have penne, you can swap it with rotini, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may vary.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to because they cook up tender in the crockpot. However, you can use thighs for richer flavor, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Just add it towards the end to heat it through.
Diced Tomatoes: If you prefer mild flavors, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead of the ones with green chilies. You can also use fresh diced tomatoes if you have them handy, about 2 cups will work.
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a lighter option, consider using a homemade cream sauce or substitute with cream of mushroom soup if you’re okay with the flavor shift.
Cheese: Mozzarella and parmesan add great creaminess. You can substitute cheddar for a sharper taste or any other melting cheese you prefer!
How Do You Get Tender, Shredded Chicken Every Time?
Getting perfectly tender shredded chicken is key to this recipe. Here’s how you can ensure success:
- Cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become very tender without drying out. Aim for 4-5 hours on low.
- When it’s done, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This keeps all those savory juices in!
- Check that the chicken is at least 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked, using a meat thermometer.
Don’t rush the process! Letting it cook the full time results in mouthwatering chicken that blends seamlessly with the pasta.
Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or regular diced tomatoes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Chicken Pasta takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 4-5 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours on high in your crockpot. Combining everything together and letting it simmer is what makes this dish so easy and enjoyable!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your dish where all the flavors will soak in.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with or without green chilies), cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover it and set your crockpot to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is almost done (about 30 minutes before serving), carefully remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and then return it to the crockpot.
5. Add the Pasta:
Now, add the uncooked penne pasta to the mixture in the crockpot. Stir gently to incorporate everything together. Cover again and cook on high for another 25-30 minutes, until the pasta is cooked through and tender.
6. Create the Creamy Texture:
Once the pasta is ready, stir in the shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and sour cream until everything is nice and creamy. Make sure all the cheese melts and blends in well.
7. Season and Serve:
Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Crockpot Chicken Pasta! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to extend the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low. The chicken will cook through safely in the crockpot, ensuring you get a tender result.
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have penne pasta, feel free to use rotini, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just monitor the cooking time as it might vary depending on the pasta shape.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to moisten the dish.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and then cook it in the morning. Just note that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on how cold the ingredients are when you start.