Imagine coming home to a delicious, creamy chicken pasta dish. It’s been cooking in your crockpot all day. This easy recipe mixes tender chicken and pasta in a cheesy sauce. It’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
It uses frozen ingredients, so you can make a big, protein-rich meal with little work. The secret is the mix of marinara and alfredo sauces. They make a creamy, rich sauce that everyone loves.
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Why This Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe Works
This crockpot chicken pasta recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It combines convenience with delicious flavors, making it a favorite for dinner. The secret is the tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
This recipe for chicken spaghetti in crock pot is high in protein, keeping you full. It’s also easy to prepare ahead of time, perfect for meal prep.
The spaghetti crock pot chicken recipe is versatile. It pleases everyone, from picky eaters to those on a romantic date. The sauce is creamy and filling, while the chicken is tender and flavorful.
“This crockpot chicken pasta recipe is a dinnertime game-changer – it’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.”
This crockpot chicken pasta recipe is loved by many for its taste and nutrition. Try it and see why it’s a hit in so many homes.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Making a tasty crockpot chicken pasta needs the right ingredients. From the chicken to the pasta, each part is key for a great taste. Let’s explore the must-haves for a crockpot chicken pasta that’s a hit.
Chicken and Pasta Selection
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the protein. They shred well and mix into the sauce. Penne or chickpea noodles are great for pasta, offering a nice texture and sauce hold.
Sauce Components
The sauce is the heart of your dish. Mix marinara with creamy alfredo for a tasty tomato and cheese mix. Add cream cheese and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Seasonings and Cheese Options
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for more flavor. For a special touch, use Olive Garden Italian Dressing. Finish with parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 pounds |
| Penne Pasta | 16 ounces |
| Marinara Sauce | 24 ounces |
| Alfredo Sauce | 15 ounces |
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces |
| Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese, Grated | 3/4 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious crockpot chicken pasta. It’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make a tasty slow cooker chicken pasta sauce, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, a 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker is essential. It’s big enough to hold a lot of the dish. You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients correctly.
A large pot is important for cooking the pasta. For shredding the chicken, a chicken shredder tool is very helpful. Remember to use non-stick cooking spray in your slow cooker. This prevents the sauce and pasta from sticking to the sides.
When it’s time to serve, have serving bowls and chopping boards ready. These will make your dish look great. With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious slow cooker chicken pasta sauce that will impress everyone.
- 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Chicken shredder tool
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Serving bowls
- Chopping boards
“The recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Noodles has been viewed by over 4 million individuals, demonstrating significant interest in this dish.”
With the right tools and a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken pasta sauce. It’s sure to delight your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty recipe for chicken spaghetti in crock pot is easy. Begin by putting the chicken in the crockpot. Then, cover it with a mix of sauce, seasonings, and cream cheese. Cook it on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. This lets the flavors mix well and the chicken get tender.
Preparing the Chicken
After the chicken is done, shred it with two forks in the crockpot. This makes sure the chicken mixes well with the other ingredients.
Making the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl. This helps create a balanced sauce that coats the pasta and chicken well.
Combining Everything Together
After shredding the chicken, add the pasta to the crockpot. Mix it well with the chicken and sauce. Let it cook for 15 more minutes. This lets the cheese melt and the flavors mix. Finally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll get a creamy and comforting recipe for chicken spaghetti in crock pot. It’s sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Making a tasty crockpot chicken pasta is easy with a few tricks. To get your spaghetti crock pot chicken just right, try these tips:
- Use frozen ingredients for quick prep. Pre-cooked chicken and frozen pasta save time.
- Get a chicken shredder tool for easy chicken pulling. It makes the chicken ready for sauce.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should be 165°F before serving.
- For a taste like Olive Garden, use their Italian dressing in the sauce.
- Just before serving, add fresh Parmesan cheese. It adds a burst of flavor.
These simple tips will help you make a delicious crockpot chicken pasta. Your family and guests will love it. The mix of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta is a hit.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 421kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 48mg |
| Sodium | 686mg |
| Potassium | 840mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 515IU |
| Vitamin C | 8.8mg |
| Calcium | 36mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
Follow these tips to make a tasty crockpot chicken pasta. Your family will love it. Enjoy your meal!
Variations and Substitutions
This chicken in spaghetti sauce crock pot recipe is super versatile. You can change the pasta, sauce, or protein to make it your own. It’s all about customizing the dish to your taste.
Pasta Alternatives
Want to try something different? Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea noodles. Chickpea pasta adds protein and fiber, making it a healthier choice.
Sauce Modifications
For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and cashew-based alfredo sauce instead of cream cheese and half-and-half. You can also add fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Protein Options
Don’t like chicken breasts? Try chicken thighs or tenders for more flavor and moisture. You can also use shredded pork or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
The chicken in spaghetti sauce crock pot recipe is a blank canvas. Get creative and enjoy the delicious results!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Enjoying the slow cooker chicken pasta sauce doesn’t have to end when the meal is over. You can savor its flavors for days with the right storage and reheating.
To store leftovers, put the slow cooker chicken pasta sauce in airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, start with 1 minute in the microwave and stir until hot.
For longer storage, freeze the slow cooker chicken pasta sauce in Ziploc bags for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or oven.
These tips are great for quick dinners or meal prep. They ensure you enjoy every delicious bite of the slow cooker chicken pasta sauce.
Always store the slow cooker chicken pasta sauce in airtight containers. Reheat it thoroughly for the best taste and food safety.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
The creamy and comforting crockpot chicken pasta goes well with many sides. Try it with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These options make for a balanced and healthy meal.
Garlic bread or breadsticks are also great choices. They soak up the sauce, adding to the flavor.
For a more filling meal, pair the crockpot chicken pasta with sautéed spinach or a side salad. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. This way, you can make the dish your own, pleasing your taste buds.
Remember to top the crockpot chicken pasta with fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese. This adds flavor and makes it look appealing. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it a comforting main dish that everyone will love.