If you’re anything like me, you know the magic of chicken pasta crockpot recipes! They’re an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish has become a family favorite because it’s so simple and packed with flavor. I love how I can toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, the aroma fills the house, making everyone’s mouth water. Plus, it’s super versatile! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for some cozy comfort food, this chicken pasta is sure to please. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation too!
Ingredients List
For this easy and delicious chicken pasta crockpot recipe, you’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are perfect for shredding once they’re cooked. Grab 12 ounces of your favorite pasta—whether it’s penne, rotini, or even gluten-free, they all work beautifully! Next, you’ll need 2 cups of marinara sauce to give that rich, comforting flavor, along with 1 cup of chicken broth for added moisture and depth. Don’t forget about the seasoning—1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning will really bring everything together, and of course, season with salt and pepper to taste. And the best part? You’ll finish it off with 1 cup of shredded cheese, which melts into gooey perfection. Yum!
How to Prepare Chicken Pasta in a Crockpot
Making chicken pasta in a crockpot is as easy as pie, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Let’s get started—this is where the magic happens!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, place 1 pound of chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even cooking.
- Next, pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth. This combo not only adds flavor but keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the chicken is well coated in that delicious sauce.
- Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth chicken texture.
- After the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the chicken right there in the pot! Use two forks to pull it apart—it’s super easy once it’s cooked through.
- Now, here’s the fun part! Add 12 ounces of your pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir it all together, making sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
- Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This will give the pasta time to cook perfectly and soak up all that scrumptious flavor.
- Finally, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until it melts into the dish, creating that ooey-gooey goodness that everyone loves!
And there you have it! A delightful chicken pasta dish ready to be served. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this chicken pasta crockpot recipe is a total game-changer! Here’s why it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals:
- Quick & Easy: With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the crockpot does all the work.
- Flavorful: The combination of marinara sauce, chicken, and spices creates a rich, savory dish that everyone will love.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and you can use whole grain pasta for an extra nutritional boost.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot means less mess, making it easy to enjoy your meal and relax afterward.
Seriously, once you try this dish, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Tips for Success
To really nail this chicken pasta crockpot recipe, I’ve got a few pro tips to share! First, make sure to use high-quality marinara sauce—it’s the backbone of flavor, so choose one you love! If you’re short on time, consider using frozen chicken breasts; just add a bit more cooking time. Also, keep an eye on the pasta! Stir it well after adding, and taste it towards the end of cooking to ensure it’s perfectly al dente. Finally, don’t rush the shredding process—let the chicken sit for a minute before you dig in; it shreds easier and stays juicy. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this chicken pasta crockpot recipe, you’ll be pleased to know it’s not just delicious but also packed with good nutrition! Each serving is estimated to contain around 450 calories, with 30 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. You’ll find about 12 grams of fat, alongside 55 grams of carbohydrates, making it a hearty meal. Plus, it has a bit of fiber—around 3 grams—to support your digestion. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your meal without the guilt!
FAQ Section
If you’re new to chicken pasta crockpot recipes, you might have a few questions! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common queries I hear about this delicious dish:
Common Questions About Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipes
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour of cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
- What type of pasta works best? I love using short pasta like penne or rotini, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Just check cooking times to avoid mushy noodles!
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition. Just make sure to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this chicken pasta crockpot recipe is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly. Just be careful not to overheat, as that can make the pasta a bit mushy. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time around!
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Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipes: 7 Irresistible Delights
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious chicken pasta dish made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the chicken inside the crockpot.
- Add pasta and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
Notes
- Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Top with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken pasta crockpot recipes
