If there’s one thing I love about cooking, it’s finding ways to make delicious meals without spending all day in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I adore *chicken pasta crockpot recipes*! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like tossing a few ingredients into the crockpot and letting it work its magic while I go about my day. This particular recipe is a family favorite that always gets the thumbs up from everyone at the dinner table. I remember the first time I made it; I was running late after work and needed something quick. I threw in some chicken, pasta, and sauce, and by the time we were ready to eat, the house smelled amazing! Trust me, once you try this simple and flavorful dish, it’ll become a staple in your home, too.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious chicken pasta dish in your crockpot. It’s super straightforward, and I promise you probably have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen!
- 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless and skinless works best)
- 2 cups of your preferred pasta (I love using penne or rotini for this)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for that extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (bring on the herbs!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend melts beautifully)
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
How to Prepare Chicken Pasta in a Crockpot
Making this chicken pasta in a crockpot is as easy as it gets! I love how simple it is to follow, and you’ll be amazed at the deliciousness that comes from just a few steps. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them right in the bottom of your crockpot. I like to give them a little sprinkle of salt and pepper for some extra flavor. It’s simple, but it makes a difference! Make sure they’re spread out evenly so they cook uniformly.
Combining Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Pour in your pasta, followed by the marinara sauce and chicken broth. The broth will keep everything nice and moist while it cooks. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning! Stir everything gently to combine. This step is super important because it ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully as they cook. Yum!
Cooking Time
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours. I know, it feels like a long time, but trust me—it’s worth the wait! The low and slow method lets all those flavors develop and the chicken become tender and shred easily. Keep yourself busy, and maybe even sneak in a little taste of that marinara sauce!
Final Touches
Once the cooking time is up, carefully shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly! Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and gooey. This is the moment when your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma. Serve it hot and watch your family devour it! You might just find that this dish becomes a weekly favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—just 10 minutes to throw everything in the crockpot!
- Minimal cleanup; the crockpot does all the heavy lifting for you.
- Incredibly flavorful with that rich marinara and melted cheese.
- Family-friendly—everyone loves it, from kids to adults!
- Gluten-free options available by choosing the right pasta.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip the seasoning; a little salt and pepper on the chicken goes a long way. Also, if you’re using a gluten-free pasta, check the cooking time, as it often cooks faster than regular pasta. Keep an eye on the liquid levels; if it looks too dry, add a splash more chicken broth. And remember, it’s okay to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your crockpot’s temperature—every model can be a bit different! Lastly, if you like a bit of zing, add some red pepper flakes for a kick!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious chicken pasta dish made in your crockpot. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary depending on the specific brands and types you use.
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
This hearty dish packs a protein punch while keeping things balanced and satisfying. Enjoy every comforting bite knowing you’re fueling your body right!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just toss the frozen chicken breasts straight into the crockpot. You’ll want to cook it a little longer—about 7-8 hours on low—to ensure it’s fully cooked through. No need to thaw, which is super convenient!
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
I love using penne or rotini because they hold onto the sauce really well, but you can use any pasta you like! Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary, especially with different shapes or gluten-free options.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
For sure! Adding veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can boost the nutrition and flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. They’ll cook down beautifully during the long simmer!
What should I do if the pasta is too dry?
If you find that the pasta is a bit dry after cooking, don’t panic! Just stir in a splash of chicken broth or marinara sauce to moisten it up before serving. It’s a quick fix that makes a big difference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crockpot and start cooking in the morning. It’s a great way to have dinner ready without the fuss when you get home!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this delicious chicken pasta is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a bit dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth or marinara sauce to bring it back to life. Enjoy!
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Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipes: 6 Simple Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 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
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the chicken and stir in cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta type you prefer.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Top with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken pasta crockpot recipes
