Creamy Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a simple and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs cook slowly in a rich, creamy sauce, then are combined with pasta for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked separately

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the chicken thighs, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is smooth.
3. Step 3: Shred the chicken in the sauce using two forks, then stir well to combine everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Cook the rotini or penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it directly into the slow cooker without rinsing.
5. Step 5: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Check the consistency of the sauce and add water if the sauce seems too thick, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach before serving.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess.
• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but reduce slow cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
• If you prefer, switch the rotini or penne to your favorite pasta shape for variety.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just increase the slow cooker time slightly on low, checking for doneness before shredding.

Do I need to rinse the cooked pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, it’s best not to rinse the pasta so it retains starch for a creamier sauce and better texture when mixed with the chicken and sauce.

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 74 reviews

A rich and creamy slow cooker chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, combined with perfectly cooked rotini or penne pasta for a comforting and easy dinner.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) to 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Pasta

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked separately

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cream of chicken soup, cubed cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. This mixture will create a rich and creamy sauce to cook the chicken in.
2. Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become tender and the sauce smooth and well blended by the end of this cooking time.
3. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, ensuring the shredded chicken gets fully coated and mixed with the creamy sauce.
4. Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil the rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it to preserve starches that help thicken the sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
6. Adjust Consistency: Check the sauce’s consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or extra chicken broth to reach your desired creaminess. Stir to incorporate and serve warm.

Notes

• For more flavor, sauté the chicken thighs briefly before adding to the slow cooker, but this step is optional.
• Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to help the sauce cling better to the noodles.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier and healthier option.
• Adding a handful of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese before serving enhances richness.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken, crockpot pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, creamy pasta sauce