Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta
A comforting and creamy chicken pasta dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 24 oz marinara sauce jar
- 15 oz Alfredo sauce jar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 oz pasta preferably Cellentani
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sear the chicken in a pan until golden brown, ensuring not to crowd the pan for even cooking. As soon as you sprinkle the seasonings, you’ll catch a nice aroma.
- Once the chicken is golden brown, stir in the minced garlic until fragrant. Then pour in the marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce, mixing until well combined. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should just be fragrant.
- Transfer the chicken and sauce into the crockpot, packing everything in tightly. This will ensure even cooking and allow the flavors to mingle.
- Cover the crockpot and cook for four to six hours. Stir halfway through, but do not lift the lid too often to keep the steam in. Notice the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta and mozzarella cheese to the crockpot. Stir well to incorporate everything. The pasta will soak up the flavor, so do not worry if it begins to soften too much.
- Just before serving, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and dried parsley on top. This will add a pop of color and flavor. Be cautious not to add too much cheese initially; you can always adjust based on preference.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a creamier texture, shred your own mozzarella and Parmesan. Freshly minced garlic can be substituted for jarred garlic. If you want to add veggies, toss in fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
To reheat, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks, and pair with a Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
You can swap Alfredo for a cream cheese sauce for a different texture. Vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can be added for increased nutrition.
When selecting chicken, choose tender cuts for the best results. You can substitute pasta shapes based on availability; Cellentani is recommended, but feel free to use what you have on hand.