Slow Cooker Meals

  • Home
  • Newest
  • Recipe Index
  • Fall Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Fall Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Dinner
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Fall Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Dinner
    • Subscribe
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

    Published: May 29, 2023 · Modified: Aug 4, 2024 by Ryan Allen · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • Facebook
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe

    If you're looking for a delicious and effortless meal, this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish makes an easy dinner that's both comforting and satisfying!

    A wooden spoon holding crock pot creamy chicken pasta.

    This combination of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is the best way to enjoy an easy and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love!

    This recipe features simple ingredients you can find anywhere. The marinara sauce adds a rich tomato base, while the cream cheese provides a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The addition of minced garlic infuses the dish with a delightful aroma and enhances the overall taste. This simple sauce coats the bowtie pasta, which absorbs all the flavors and creates a satisfying and comforting meal. And, to add a touch of freshness and nutrition, frozen broccoli is included, bringing a pop of vibrant green and a healthy twist.

    Using a crock pot is the best cooking method when it comes to making creamy chicken pasta. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also allows the flavors to develop and intensify as the ingredients slowly cook together. Plus, the convenience of the crock pot means you can set it and forget it, leaving you free to go about your day while dinner effortlessly cooks to perfection!

    Close-up creamy chicken pasta in a white bowl.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • This easy crock pot chicken dinner is a lifesaver for busy individuals or families who crave a comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
    • The combination of tender, juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
    • You can set it in the morning and come home to a meal that's ready to be devoured, making it ideal for those busy weekdays or when you simply want to relax while your dinner practically cooks itself.
    • You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adding vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes or even substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp or sausage to keep things exciting.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    • Chicken Breast - The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender protein base. It becomes incredibly flavorful and easily shreds as it slowly cooks in the crock pot, absorbing the seasonings and marinara sauce.
    • Seasonings - A combination of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning enhances the overall taste of the dish.
    • Marinara Sauce - Serves as the foundation of the creamy sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor that coats the chicken and pasta.
    • Minced Garlic - A flavor powerhouse that adds an aromatic and savory element to the recipe that is popular in Italian cooking.
    • Cream Cheese - This creates a luxurious creaminess that defines this dish. As it melts and combines with the marinara sauce, it adds a velvety texture and richness that perfectly complements the tender chicken and pasta.
    • Bowtie Pasta - Also known as farfalle, is the pasta of choice for this recipe. Its unique shape and ridges capture the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is filled with flavor.
    • Heavy Cream - Adds a silky smoothness to the sauce, enhancing its richness and providing a velvety mouthfeel. The heavy cream helps bind all the flavors together, creating a cohesive and indulgent sauce.
    • Parmesan Cheese - Adds a touch of sharpness, along with a nuttiness balancing out the creaminess of the sauce.
    • Frozen Broccoli - This vegetable not only brings vibrant color to the dish but also adds a nutritional boost.

    How To Make Creamy Chicken Pasta In The Crock Pot

    Prepare chicken breast: Trim any excess fat off of the chicken breast and pat dry on both sides with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Place the chicken at the bottom of the crock pot.

    Cook the chicken: Pour the jar of marinara sauce over the top of the chicken, followed by the four pieces of cream cheese evenly distributed.

    Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top of the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours.

    Shred chicken: Remove the chicken breast and shred it with two forks; add the chicken back to the crock pot.

    Finish the sauce: To the mixture, add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and frozen broccoli. Mix until well combined, then cook for an additional 30 minutes with the lid on.

    Serve and enjoy: Once the broccoli is warmed through, stir and serve while hot. Enjoy!

    Overhead image of creamy chicken pasta in a white crock pot.

    Recipe Tips

    • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
    • To add some additional richness and depth of flavor, consider using homemade marinara sauce instead of a jarred one. You can make a batch ahead of time or use your favorite homemade marinara recipe to elevate the overall taste of the dish.
    • While the recipe calls for frozen broccoli, you can use fresh broccoli if you prefer. Simply blanch the fresh broccoli florets in boiling water for a couple of minutes to soften them slightly before adding them to the crock pot. This ensures they retain vibrant color and a pleasant crunch in the final dish.
    • Shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.

    Variations

    • To add a kick of heat, spice up your creamy chicken pasta by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness and enjoy a zesty twist on the classic dish.
    • Swap out the marinara sauce with a jar of sun-dried tomato pesto. This substitution will infuse the dish with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic, giving it a unique and aromatic taste.
    • Mix different types of cheeses into the dish. Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses along with the Parmesan cheese.
    • Experiment with different pasta shapes to change up the texture and presentation. Try using penne, rotini, or even spirals. Each pasta shape will create a different mouthfeel and absorb the sauce in its own way.
    • Swap out the frozen broccoli for other frozen vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables. This allows you to create a colorful medley of vegetables in your dish while adding a variety of flavors and textures.
    A fork holding a bite of creamy chicken pasta.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: To store any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or additional cream to prevent the pasta from drying out.

    Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. For best results, divide the pasta into individual portions for easier thawing and serving. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

    Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftover creamy chicken pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or marinara sauce if needed to restore the creamy texture. Note that the texture of the pasta may be slightly softer after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will remain delicious.

    FAQ

    Can I substitute the cream cheese with another type of cheese?

    If you're not a fan of cream cheese or prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses such as mascarpone or ricotta. These cheeses will still provide a creamy texture and add a unique taste to the dish.

    Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this creamy pasta dish. Simply omit the chicken and replace it with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and you'll have a delicious vegetarian creamy pasta packed with flavor.

    Can the pasta be cooked in the crock pot?

    No, this recipe requires the pasta to be cooked BEFORE adding it to the crock pot as it would get too soft and mushy while the chicken cooks.

    Close-up creamy chicken pasta in a white bowl.

    More Crock Pot Pasta Recipes

    • Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli
    • Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
    • Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
    • Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

    I would love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in my Facebook Group.

    A wooden spoon holding crock pot creamy chicken pasta.

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

    Author: Ryan Allen
    If you're looking for a delicious and effortless meal, this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish makes an easy dinner that's both comforting and satisfying!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 523 kcal

    Equipment

    • My Favorite Slow-Cooker
    • Slow-Cooker Liners

    Ingredients
      

    • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
    • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
    • 2 tsp garlic (minced)
    • 1 (8 oz) cream cheese (cut into fourths)
    • 16 oz bowtie pasta (cooked)
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
    • 2 cups frozen broccoli

    Instructions
     

    • Add chicken breasts to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker—season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic.
    • Pour marinara sauce over the top of the chicken. Place divided cream cheese over the chicken.
    • Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours on high or low for 5-6 hours.
    • Shredded chicken and add cooked pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and frozen broccoli. Mix until well combined. Cover and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
    • Serve while hot, and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 523kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 38gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 586IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 153mgIron: 2mg

    *Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

    • Shredded Coca Cola chicken in a slow cooker.
      Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken
    • Crock Pot honey mustard chicken over a bowl of rice with parsley in the background.
      Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
    • Mexican chicken that has been shredded in a slow cooker and ready to serve.
      Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
    • Slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs on a with plate with parsley in the background.
      Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
    5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Hey, I am Ryan

    Welcome to Slow Cooker Meals. I have created tasty Crock-Pot meals that your family will love. New recipes are posted weekly to help you get out of that dinner rut

    More About Me

    Popular Recipes

    • Crock Pot chicken pot pie in a white bowl with a biscuit in it and a slow cooker in the background.
      Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
    • Close up of slow cooker creamy tortellini and sausage soup in a white bowl.
      Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
    • A fork holding holding a piece of crock pot beef tips and gravy over a bowl.
      Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
    • Three slow cooker shredded chicken tacos on a wood cutting board.
      Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
    • Marry me chicken crock pot served over rice on a white plate.
      Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
    • Slow cooker beef stew in a white bowl with parsley and a roll in the background.
      Slow Cooker Beef Stew

    Fall Recipes

    • A bowl of Crock-Pot sweet and sour chicken over rice with diced green onions in the background.
      Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
    • Two bowls of the best Crock Pot chili topped with cheese, fritos, sour cream and green onions.
      Best Crock Pot Chili
    • Close up of salsa verde chicken in a Crock Pot with garnished with cilantro and limes.
      Crock Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
    • Crock-Pot potato soup in a white bowl with cheese and bacon on top.
      Crock Pot Potato Soup
    • Crock pot pepper steak over white rice in a bowl.
      Crock Pot Pepper Steak
    • Overhead look at crock pot salisbury steak meatballs over a bowl of mashed potatoes.
      Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • FAQ
    • About Us

    Recipes

    • Chicken Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Soups

    Connect

    Join our community of slow-cooking enthusiasts on social media!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Slow Cooker Meals is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

    Copyright © 2025 Slow Cooker Meals

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.