Ah, my dear friend! Gather ‘round because I’m about to share a gem of a recipe—Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot. This dish cozy’s up to your soul like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. It has been a staple in my household for years, and there’s hardly a time I make it without my family practically hovering near the kitchen, drawn in by its wonderful aroma. You’re going to want to make this tonight—I promise you’ll be grateful for every creamy bite!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s talk about why this dish is not just another crockpot meal—it’s a masterpiece waiting to happen! Imagine tender chicken bathing in a velvety cream sauce, intertwined with pasta that soaks up all those delightful flavors. This is comfort food at its finest, effortlessly made with just a few ingredients.
Not only does it save you time in the kitchen, but it also brings everyone together around the table without the fuss. Long workday? Throw it all in your crockpot and let it do its magic. It’s hearty, simple, and luxuriously creamy—what more could you ask for? Plus, it’s versatile; the flavors can dance in any direction you like with a few simple tweaks. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about it long after you’ve finished your last bite!
Gather these ingredients
To whip up your Creamy Chicken Pasta, here’s the lineup of goodness you’ll need:
2 cups of chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken works beautifully here. If you’re in a pinch, frozen chicken will do, just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time.
2 cups of pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes are fantastic at holding onto the sauce. If you want to get wild, consider farfalle for a playful touch!
1 can of cream of chicken soup: This is your secret weapon for creaminess, but feel free to swap with a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous. Store-bought is a time-saver I’m not above using!
1 cup of chicken broth: Choose low-sodium to control the saltiness or homemade if you have it. Every spoonful coats the noodles with rich flavor!
1 cup of heavy cream: Oh yes, the heavy stuff! This brings that luscious richness we crave. For a lighter twist, half-and-half can work wonders too.
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal, but whatever you have on hand will work. This is where you get that umami kick!
Salt and pepper to taste: Can’t forget these essential seasonings that bring everything together.
Optional: Garlic powder for warmth, Italian seasoning for herbiness, and chopped parsley as that fresh finishing touch!
The cooking process explained
Ready to roll? Let’s get this creamy concoction simmering!
Layer the ingredients: Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This way, they can soak up all the sauces and flavors as they cook.
Add the creamy goodness: Pour in the can of cream of chicken soup, then add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Now sprinkle in salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you’ve chosen. Trust me; this mixture is already smelling divine!
Set your timer: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s like time travel, where hours pass and you emerge with a magical meal!
Shred and stir: When the cooking time is up, shred your chicken with two forks—it should just fall apart. This is where the fun begins! Stir in the uncooked pasta and cover again, cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour on high until the pasta is cooked to a lovely al dente.
Add the finishing touch: Stir in that beautiful grated Parmesan and watch it melt into the creamy sauce like a dream. Voilà! It’s time to serve!
Best way to enjoy it
Alright, you’ve conquered the cooking part—now let’s make this dish shine on your dining table!
Serve it hot, straight from the crockpot, letting the enticing smell waft through your home. For a touch of elegance, garnish it with chopped parsley—it adds that splash of color and a sprinkle of freshness. Pair this creamy delight with a side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or serve some crusty garlic bread for that extra comfort factor. It’s a match made in heaven!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers are always an option with this beauty, and trust me, they taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might find it thickens a bit—just splash in a touch of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up to its original glorious state. And if you need to freeze, it can last up to 2 months. Just remember to leave out pasta if freezing; cook that fresh when you’re ready to devour!
Helpful cooking tips
For a truly triumphant meal, here are a few pro tips:
- Don’t rush the cooking process. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors develop.
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, during the last hour of cooking to amp up the nutritional value.
- For a bit of zing, toss in a splash of lemon juice just before serving—it brightens everything up beautifully!
Creative Twists
Now, let’s talk about fun variations! Want to spice things up?
- Swap the chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian take!
- Use different seasonings, like Cajun or curry powder, for unexpected flavor profiles.
- Think about adding cheese—mozzarella on top right before serving could give you that melty, gooey texture that’s hard to resist.
Key ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breasts
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley
Directions to follow
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken and stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour on high until pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Your questions answered
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just add extra cooking time.
- How long does this keep? In the fridge, 3-4 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
- What other pasta can I use? Any short pasta works well, but avoid long noodles.
- Can it be made lighter? Absolutely! Use half-and-half and reduce cheese if you desire.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers are all great additions.
There you have it! A dish that’s not only easy to make but packs in flavor, comfort, and a charm that resonates with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Go ahead, gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with warmth and love. Don’t forget to come back and share your experience—happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta that brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort in the kitchen.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Process
Layer Ingredients
Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.Add Creamy Mixture
Pour in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.Shred Chicken
When done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour on high until pasta is al dente.Finish and Serve
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 44g68%
- Saturated Fat 24g120%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 140mg47%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 700 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
