This Crockpot Chicken And Pasta recipe is a comforting, hands-off meal that blends tender slow-cooked chicken with perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot. The savory sauce infuses every bite with rich flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or an effortless meal prep option. The ease of throwing ingredients into the crockpot and returning hours later to a warm, hearty dish is what makes this recipe both practical and irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this crockpot chicken and pasta recipe because it combines convenience with comforting flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to become juicy and tender while the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce. It’s perfect for busy lifestyles since it requires minimal hands-on time yet delivers a satisfying, home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit many dietary preferences and is a crowd-pleaser for families and guests alike.
Tips and Tricks
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work fine if preferred.
- Add the pasta during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking and mushy noodles.
- Stir in a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick once the pasta is added.
- For deeper flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot.
- Stir the pasta gently to prevent sticking, and avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain temperature.
Make Ahead Tips
- Chop vegetables, measure spices, and prepare the sauce base a day in advance; store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- You can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time, then add it to the crockpot with the other ingredients when ready.
- Pasta can be cooked separately and added during the last few minutes if you prefer more control over its texture.
- The fully cooked dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
- Swap chicken for turkey breast or even sausage for a different protein twist.
- Substitute the tomato-based sauce with a creamy Alfredo or pesto sauce for a change in flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables for low-carb or gluten-free options.
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning or smoked paprika to elevate the taste.
How to Serve
Serve the crockpot chicken and pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella adds a lovely finish. Pair the dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. Present it in a deep pasta bowl or a rustic casserole dish for a cozy, inviting look.
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: A medium-bodied white like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements this dish well.
- Cocktails: A refreshing lemon basil gin fizz or an Aperol spritz balances the richness.
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced herbal tea.
- Side dishes: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple Caesar salad.
- Dessert: Light options like lemon sorbet or fresh berries keep the meal balanced.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water during reheating to loosen the sauce and refresh the pasta texture.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot) – essential for the slow cooking process.
- Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula for stirring.
- Optional: skillet for sautéing onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use vegetable broth, and substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese altogether.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free but always ensure all packaged ingredients are free from cross-contamination.
- Low-carb: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Summer: Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter, fresher sauce.
- Fall/Winter: Add root vegetables like carrots and parsnips to the crockpot for added warmth and nutrition.
- Spring: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil and parsley at the end of cooking for vibrant flavor.
- Winter: Use frozen spinach or kale to add green nutrients without relying on fresh produce.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this crockpot recipe?
A: Yes, but it’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Q: How long should I cook the chicken before adding pasta?
A: Cook the chicken and sauce for about 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, then add pasta for the last 30-40 minutes.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work best as they hold sauce well and cook evenly in the crockpot.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added during the cooking process, but add delicate greens towards the end.
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
A: Add pasta in the last 30-40 minutes and avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Crockpot Chicken And Pasta
This Crockpot Chicken And Pasta recipe is a comforting, hands-off meal that blends tender slow-cooked chicken with perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker.
- Pour diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth over the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream. Add the dry pasta, stirring gently to combine with the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 453Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 575mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 36g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot chicken and pasta recipe is the ultimate blend of convenience and comfort, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, while the creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying dish everyone will love. With plenty of room for customization and simple prep, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and enjoy the effortless deliciousness!
