If you are looking for a comforting meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one dish, this Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that lets your slow cooker do all the hard work while delivering rich Italian flavors that feel homemade and satisfying. Whether you’re after a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family and friends, this creamy Italian chicken pasta hits all the right notes with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating an irresistible dish. Each element plays a key role, from the juicy chicken breasts to the Italian seasoning that brings vibrant depth, and of course, the pasta that soaks up all that delicious creamy sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): The main protein providing a tender, juicy base for the dish.
- Italian dressing seasoning mix (1 packet): A flavorful blend of herbs and spices that infuses the chicken with classic Italian aromas.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds luscious creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Gives a comforting, smooth texture and enhances the savory flavor.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and aroma to the mix.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Lends a touch of spiciness to brighten the profile.
- Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Offers a sweet, slightly peppery essence typical of Italian dishes.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Complements with its earthy, slightly bitter notes.
- Penne or rotini pasta (12 oz, cooked): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully for every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish and enriches the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh, bright garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot and Chicken
Start by spraying the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Place the chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a sturdy base for the creamy sauce to slowly infuse into the meat as it cooks.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian dressing seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, providing that deliciously rich and tangy Italian flavor.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cook
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the crock pot, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken becomes wonderfully tender and soaks up all those aromatic flavors during this slow cooking process.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Mix Well
After cooking, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks. This step transforms the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces that mix seamlessly with the sauce, creating a luscious and hearty pasta topping.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Parmesan
Stir in the cooked pasta and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy Italian sauce, making every forkful flavorful and satisfying.
Step 6: Final Touches
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy a delicious feast that feels comforting and impressive all at once.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a subtle herbal freshness that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. For extra cheesiness, a little more Parmesan on top works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides like a fresh green salad with vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli to provide some texture contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a perfect partner, letting you soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh basil or a small drizzle of good olive oil. You can also sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of crunch or heat to complement the creamy Italian flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this dish freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the pasta may soften a bit upon reheating, so slightly under-cooking the pasta before mixing it in the crock pot is a helpful trick.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your portion gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much while chilled or frozen, restoring that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can offer a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure tenderness.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes trap the creamy sauce nicely. However, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try replacing the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup with coconut milk-based substitutes and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. The flavor profile will shift slightly but still delicious.
Is it okay to add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking is a great way to add color and nutrition without overpowering the classic Italian taste.
Does the pasta cook in the crock pot?
No, the pasta is cooked separately according to package instructions and added to the crock pot at the end. This ensures that pasta does not overcook and become mushy in the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe enough if you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s packed with cozy Italian flavors. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually lets your crock pot do all the work. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with a new family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike!
Print
Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a hassle-free dinner. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly with a flavorful blend of Italian seasoning, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup, then get combined with pasta and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of the crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place Chicken in Crock Pot: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly inside the crock pot as the base of the dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian dressing seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano until smooth and well combined.
- Cook Chicken: Pour the prepared creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks, mixing the shredded chicken thoroughly with the sauce.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the cooked penne or rotini pasta along with the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring all pasta is coated evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese and use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the final mixing step for added flavor and nutrients.
