It’s September out here in the mountains of Colorado and the temperatures are dropping quickly. Cooler weather means it’s time to pull out the crock pot. I’m kicking off the season with one of my favorites. Slow cooker Italian chicken pasta is made by combining a few simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed sauce best served over pasta to create a warm and cozy meal simple enough for a weeknight.
Simple Recipe with a ton of potential for variation.
- Prepare this slow cooker italian chicken pasta vegetarian by substituting the chicken for sliced and sautéed Button or Portabella mushrooms.
- Prefer dark meat? Simply swap out chicken breasts for chicken thighs.
- I like to use canned diced tomatoes because they’re always in my pantry and they make this recipe extra easy but if you prefer fresh, simply swap out the can of tomatoes for 4 ounces of whole cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
Short on time? Make this slow cooker Italian chicken pasta in the oven.
To prepare this recipe without a slow cooker, simmer the sauce ingredients on the stovetop until the cream cheese is completely melted and the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Spray a little cooking spray on the bottom of a glass casserole before placing the chicken in the dish. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. Pour the sauce on top and bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce before serving over pasta.
Toppings
When I’m introducing a new recipe to my kids, toppings are my go-to parenting hack. If my kids feel like they have choices or are involved in selecting the ingredients they’re more likely to give it a shot. Here are a few of my family’s favorite toppings for this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Fresh or in the shaker! Sprinkle on top for added cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Chives: A teaspoon of fresh chives gives this cozy dish a fresh flavor.
- Fresh Italian Herbs: That Italian dressing is already packed with dried herbs but turn up the flavor and add some color to the dish with fresh basil or parsley.
What’s in Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Pasta?
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 cup Italian dressing dressing. Creamy is best.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 ounces uncooked Penne pasta. To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten free penne. My absolute favorite is Tinkyada.
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Prepare pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- Serve sauce over the pasta.
Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 cup Italian dressing creamy Italian dressing is best.
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta or bowtie pasta Substitute with gluten free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Prepare pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine.
Such a yummy meal prep recipe!