Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato and Alfredo sauce, layered with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for irresistible flavor. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort.

The image shows a close-up of creamy cheesy chicken pasta with two visible layers. The top layer has short tube-shaped pasta pieces in light golden yellow, mixed with shredded chicken in light brown, all coated in a thick, rich, orange-colored cheese sauce with herbs sprinkled throughout. The bottom layer, also filled with the same pasta and chicken mix, includes melted white cheese that adds stretchiness and texture to the dish. The food is presented against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 24 oz crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 15 oz Alfredo sauce
  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder, divided
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, hand shredded
  • 2 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 pound Mezi rigatoni pasta, cooked

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add the crushed tomatoes to the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
  2. Step 2: Pour in the Alfredo sauce and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, then stir everything together until well mixed.
  3. Step 3: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of garlic powder. Place the chicken into the crockpot, pushing it down so it is mostly covered by the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Step 5: When cooking is complete, carefully shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Turn off the crockpot and add the cooked pasta, stirring to combine.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and garnish with dried parsley.
  8. Step 8: Replace the lid and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts for a quicker version—just add it near the end to heat through.
  • Substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti pasta if preferred; just be sure to cook it al dente before adding.
  • Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the crockpot for extra veggies.
  • For a spicier kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy cheesy chicken pasta with three visible layers blended together. The base layer is rigatoni pasta, pale yellow in color with a slightly glossy texture from the sauce. The middle layer is shredded chicken, light brown with soft, fibrous strands mixed evenly through the pasta. The top layer is a thick, orange-tinted creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken, dotted with small specks of green herbs. The dish is garnished with melted white cheese that looks stringy and gooey, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the crockpot ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Just add the chicken last and cook as directed the next day.

What can I do if I don’t have a crockpot?

You can make this dish on the stovetop by simmering the sauce and chicken in a large pot until the chicken is cooked through, then shredding it and adding the pasta and cheese at the end.

Print
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Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

Description

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo and tomato sauces, and cheesy pasta all cooked together in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, this creamy dish features Italian seasonings and gooey mozzarella cheese, making it an irresistible family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 24 Oz Crushed Tomatoes
  • 15 Oz Alfredo Sauce
  • ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 Tbs Garlic Powder (divided)
  • 2 Tbs Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Chicken

  • 1 Pound Chicken Breast

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 Pound Mezi Rigatoni Pasta, cooked
  • 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded
  • 2 Tbs Dried Parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes to the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  2. Add Alfredo and Parmesan: Pour in the Alfredo sauce and add Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the cheeses into the sauce base.
  3. Season and Add Chicken: Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of garlic powder. Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot, pressing them down so they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and soaked with the flavorful sauce.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken inside the crockpot using two forks until finely pulled apart. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce to combine.
  6. Add the Pasta: Turn off the crockpot and gently fold in the cooked rigatoni pasta, mixing it evenly with the cheesy tomato sauce and chicken.
  7. Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and garnish with dried parsley for a fresh herbal note.
  8. Melt the Cheese: Replace the crockpot lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted thoroughly. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty crockpot cheesy chicken pasta meal!

Notes

  • Use cooked pasta to prevent it from becoming overly mushy during the slow cooking.
  • You can substitute rigatoni with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
  • Adjust garlic powder and Italian seasoning to your taste preference for a more or less intense flavor.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, slow cooker recipes, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken pasta

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