If you’re craving pure comfort with minimal effort, this Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to dinner. Picture tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a dreamy blend of Italian herbs, cream cheese, Parmesan, and a rich, velvety sauce—all wrapped up with pasta that soaks in every bit of flavor. It’s hands-down one of those super simple recipes that brings both ease and heartiness to your table, perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to treat yourself to something special without babysitting a skillet. Trust me, this is the kind of dish you’ll share with friends, bring to potlucks, and crave again before you even finish the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how the right handful of ingredients can truly make magic in your crock pot. Each item in Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta brings something important—whether that’s creaminess, savoriness, or a pop of green to brighten the dish. Quality and balance matter here, and every ingredient helps build those rich, homey Italian-inspired flavors.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up flavor and become fork-tender after slow cooking.
- Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix: The perfect shortcut for adding loads of herby, zesty notes with zero fuss.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings silky body and a comforting, savory undertone to the sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Softened, cubed cream cheese melts in for that signature luscious texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty edge for real depth and cheesy goodness.
- Chicken Broth: Loosens the sauce and infuses extra flavor, making everything meld beautifully.
- Penne or Rotini Pasta: Sturdy shapes like these catch all the sauce in their ridges and spirals.
- Milk: Used as needed to thin the sauce so it perfectly coats your pasta without clumping.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A finishing touch to bring out all the flavors—don’t skip this taste test!
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that livens up every serving.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by laying the chicken breasts right into your crock pot. Sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix directly over the top of the chicken. This blend of herbs and spices is what jumpstarts the robust, slightly tangy flavor profile, so make sure it gets good coverage.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. By mixing these before pouring them over the chicken, you’re ensuring the sauce cooks up super smooth and evenly creamy.
Step 3: Let the Crock Pot Work Its Magic
Pour your creamy sauce all over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred with a fork—so your house will smell absolutely amazing while you wait!
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is beautifully tender, shred it right in the crock pot using two forks. Stir the chicken well into the sauce so every piece is coated and the flavors are distributed evenly. This is where that ultra-creamy texture develops.
Step 5: Cook and Combine the Pasta
While the chicken finishes up, cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain it well, then add the hot pasta straight into the crock pot. Stir it into the creamy chicken mixture so every twist and tube gets a beautiful coating.
Step 6: Adjust the Sauce and Serve
If the sauce is a bit thick, pour in a splash or two of milk to reach your ideal consistency. Give the dish a final taste, season with salt and pepper as needed, and then serve piping hot. A sprinkle of chopped parsley over each bowl adds a lovely fresh finish!
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, scatter plenty of freshly chopped parsley over each serving. You can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of cracked black pepper for a boost of color and punchy flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a heaping bowl of roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are phenomenal sides that help soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, spiral a nest of pasta onto each plate, then spoon the creamy chicken mixture on top and finish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. For a cozy family-style vibe, serve everything straight from the crock pot at the table, letting folks help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta to airtight containers and let it cool completely before refrigerating. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better after the flavors have lived together for a bit longer!
Freezing
You can freeze the finished pasta if you’d like a make-ahead option. Spoon into freezer-safe containers (ideally in single portions), then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the pasta seems dry—the sauce will revive beautifully! Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and a creamy, dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe—they’ll become even more tender and juicy. Just be sure to use boneless, skinless thighs for easy shredding.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Swap the regular cream cheese for light or reduced-fat, and use a light cream of chicken soup. You can even add extra veggies (like spinach or zucchini) to bulk it up with more nutrition.
What’s the best type Main Course
Penne or rotini are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce in their grooves and shapes. But honestly, just about any short pasta will work—use what you love or what’s in your pantry!
Can I prep this recipe ahead for a party?
For sure! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, refrigerate overnight, then reheat and stir in freshly cooked pasta right before serving. It’s a major party-time lifesaver.
How can I add vegetables to Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta?
You can stir in baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes either during the last hour of cooking or right when you add the pasta. This gives the dish extra color, flavor, and nutrition—highly recommended!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug, you’ll fall in love with Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta. It’s so simple, satisfyingly rich, and versatile, making it a true family favorite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—don’t be surprised if it disappears fast!
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Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Italian-inspired chicken pasta dish made easy in the crock pot. This recipe features tender shredded chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce, served with penne or rotini pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning:
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk (as needed to thin sauce)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the crock pot. Sprinkle Italian dressing seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until chicken is tender. Shred chicken and stir.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the crock pot, stir, and add milk as needed to loosen the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or homemade roux for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
