Effortless Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a delectable crock pot Italian chicken pasta doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pot wonder that promises minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Busy home cooks will adore how simple ingredients come together in a harmonious blend of creamy textures and robust seasonings.

Our recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern slow-cooker twist.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Cheesy, aromatic, and incredibly easy to prepare, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this hearty and delightful meal.

Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the main dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances chicken flavor, low-sodium recommended for better control of saltiness.

• Cream Cheese: Creates rich and creamy texture, room temperature helps smooth melting.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, mild cheese flavor, shredded variety melts easily.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes, freshly grated recommended for best taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce, choose high-quality brand for better overall flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunky texture and additional tomato depth, fire-roasted variety recommended.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, kosher or sea salt preferred.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth, freshly ground recommended.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic garlic flavor, ensures even distribution.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds authentic Italian profile, dried herb mix works best.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth sauce, helps bind ingredients together.
• Fresh Basil: Bright garnish with fresh herbal notes, adds color and freshness.
• Pasta: Completes the dish, choose short pasta like penne or rotini for easy coating.

Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Coat the chicken completely by gently rubbing the spices across the surface.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Gently mix everything so the chicken gets evenly coated with the saucy mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6–7 hours or high setting for 3–4 hours until the chicken becomes super tender and easily falls apart.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to pull and tear the chicken into soft, delicious shreds right inside the crockpot.

Mix the shredded meat into the sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cover and let everything melt together for 10–15 minutes until luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta

Add cooked pasta into the crockpot and stir thoroughly, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the rich, cheesy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and serve this comforting meal while it’s warm and inviting.

Pasta Tips for Crock Pot Italian Chicken

• Cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to maintain perfect texture and avoid overcooking.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes for faster, smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the sauce.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and marinara sauce to control salt content, especially for those watching their sodium intake.
• Swap dairy cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, plant-based alternative that keeps the dish's rich flavor.
• Boost Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of aromatic complexity in the dish.

Crockpot Chicken Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly sealed meals can last up to 3 months without losing quality. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Defrost overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding extra liquid as needed to refresh sauce consistency and prevent sticking.

Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Matches

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy, rich sauce and complements the Italian-style chicken dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting a crusty baguette with garlic butter, which adds delightful crunch and absorbs the flavorful sauce while enhancing the meal's Italian character.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta, providing a refreshing contrast and adding nutritional variety to the dinner.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs, roasting them to add a caramelized, healthy side that echoes the dish's Mediterranean flavors.

Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta With Easy Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish celiac-friendly and light.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and replace mozzarella with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Protein Variety: Swap chicken breasts with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu or chickentein for different protein options.
• Vegetarian Option: Eliminate meat entirely and use roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant, adding extra herbs and vegetable broth for rich flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low setting to ensure they cook thoroughly and reach safe internal temperature.

• Is it okay to use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works best with shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just cook the pasta separately and add it at the end as directed.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese options or nutritional yeast.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce when seasoning the chicken. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce or add sliced jalapeños to increase the heat level.

Top Reasons To Use Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone's hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
• Stress-Free Cooking Method: Crockpot technique allows hands-off preparation, letting busy home cooks enjoy delicious comfort food without constant monitoring or complicated techniques.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Combines multiple rich cheeses like cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create an incredibly creamy, indulgent pasta sauce that delivers maximum flavor with minimal work.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family, with easy customization potential by swapping proteins or adding extra vegetables.

Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Italian chicken pasta brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners, delivering a hearty meal that satisfies with minimal effort. Home cooks can savor rich flavors and tender chicken without spending hours in the kitchen, making this dish a perfect solution for busy families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Sauces and Dairy:

• 1 (24 oz / 680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (10 oz / 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz / 227 grams) package cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz (340 grams) penne or rotini pasta, cooked

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker and generously coat with aromatic Italian-inspired seasonings.
2. Cascade marinara sauce, juicy diced tomatoes, and rich chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, gently blending the liquid ingredients.
3. Secure the lid and allow the chicken to tenderize on low temperature for 6–7 hours or accelerate the process on high for 3–4 hours until meat easily pulls apart.
4. Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the chicken directly within the cooking vessel, creating tender, succulent meat strands.
5. Incorporate cream cheese, luxurious heavy cream, melty mozzarella, and aged Parmesan, stirring to create a velvety, indulgent sauce.
6. Allow the cheese mixture to meld and transform, covering the slow cooker for an additional 10–15 minutes until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Introduce pre-cooked pasta into the sauce, gently folding to ensure each pasta strand is lavishly coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.
8. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering freshly torn basil leaves across the top, then serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easy-to-shred meat in this comforting dish.
• Swap regular marinara with low-sodium sauce to control salt content for health-conscious diners.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or fontina for a unique taste profile that keeps the meal exciting.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 705
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg