Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta

Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Tender chicken cooks slowly with pasta and a flavorful creamy sauce, creating a one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy days. Just pour everything in, let it cook, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Seasoning & Sauce:

1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or Italian seasoning)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp butter or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare slow cooker:
Lightly grease the slow cooker.
Add chicken & pasta:
Place raw chicken breasts in the bottom. Add uncooked pasta around them.
Mix sauce:
In a bowl, combine chicken broth, cream, seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour over:
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over chicken and pasta.
Cook:
- Low: 5–6 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Shred chicken:
Remove chicken, shred it, then return to the slow cooker.
Add cheese:
Stir in shredded cheese and butter/cream cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve:
Mix well and serve warm.

Tips & Notes

Stir occasionally near the end to prevent pasta sticking.
Use short pasta shapes for best texture.
Add spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
For thicker sauce, let it sit 5–10 minutes before serving.

Q&A

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, add it in the last hour of cooking.

Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be less rich.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes, store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Cream-based pasta doesn’t freeze well, but you can try with slight texture change.

Servings & Nutrition (Approx.)

Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbs: 30 g