Imagine tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta all wrapped up in a rich, creamy sauce — and the best part is, your crockpot does most of the work.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights in.
As everything simmers together and the flavors meld beautifully, you’ll see how effortless it is to whip up this delicious Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta.
Let’s get started!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Cook & Prep Time
To effectively manage your time while preparing and cooking the Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta, you can follow this detailed timeline:
- Reading Instructions:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes
- Activity: Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients needed.
- Preparation Work:
- Time Allocated: 10 minutes
- Activity:
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment listed in the recipe.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Measure out the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken broth, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, penne pasta, frozen peas, and chopped parsley.
- Cooking in the Crockpot:
- Initial Cooking Time: 3 hours
- Activity:
- Coat the bottom of the crockpot with olive oil.
- Place the chicken pieces in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low.
- Midway Preparation:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes
- Activity:
- After 3 hours of cooking, add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the crockpot.
- Stir the mixture until the cheeses are melted and well combined.
- Final Cooking Time:
- Time Allocated: 30 minutes
- Activity:
- Add penne pasta and frozen peas to the crockpot.
- Stir and cover again, allowing the dish to cook until the pasta is tender.
- Optionally, stir occasionally to ascertain even cooking.
- Resting Time:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes
- Activity:
- Let the dish rest before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serving:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes
- Activity:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Recipe Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In the crockpot, add olive oil and evenly coat the bottom.
Place chicken pieces in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours.
After 3 hours, add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the crockpot.
Stir the mixture until the cheeses are melted and well combined.
Add penne pasta and frozen peas to the crockpot.
Stir and cover again, continuing to cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Once done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the creamy pasta with its buttery, garlic flavor.
- Caesar Salad: Offers a crisp, invigorating contrast with its crunchy romaine and tangy dressing.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy, vibrant green element to the meal, balancing the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables can enhance the meal with added nutrients and textures.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provides a light and flavorful accompaniment.
Storage
To store Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta, transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Add broth if needed to maintain consistency.
Freezing
To freeze Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely.
Portion into airtight containers, and label with the date.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta, use a stovetop on low heat.
Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess.
Stir occasionally until evenly heated throughout.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
With its easy preparation and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The use of a crockpot guarantees the chicken is juicy and the flavors meld beautifully.
Remember to soften the cream cheese for a smooth sauce and stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Enjoy this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts With Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute 2 pounds of chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Make certain they’re boneless and skinless. Follow the same seasoning and cooking instructions. Adjust cook time if needed, as thighs may cook slightly faster.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
You can substitute chicken with 16 ounces of sliced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Follow the same steps, ensuring mushrooms are thoroughly cooked. Adjust seasonings to taste, and maintain cream cheese and cream for richness.
What Wine Pairs Well With This Dish?
Pair a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio with this dish. Choose a bottle with notes of citrus and butter to complement the creaminess. Chill wine to 45°F for ideal flavor. Serve in a medium-sized glass for aeration.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1 chopped jalapeño with the chicken. For an extra kick, include 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper when adding cheeses. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices, ensuring consistent heat.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta. Measure 8 ounces of gluten-free penne. Follow the same cooking process, but monitor closely to avoid overcooking, as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster and can become mushy if left unattended.
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In the crockpot, add olive oil and evenly coat the bottom.
- Place chicken pieces in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the crockpot.
- Stir the mixture until the cheeses are melted and well combined.
- Add penne pasta and frozen peas to the crockpot.
- Stir and cover again, continuing to cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Once done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
