Name: Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490892H7M7S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1.25 pounds chicken breast tenders, raw; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 25 oz marinara sauce (1 jar); 12 oz cream cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 bay leaves; 1 lb pasta (cooked; Gemelli pasta recommended); 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade for garnish (optional)

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Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that can change your weeknight dinners for good. Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by an inviting aroma wafting through the air. All you have to do is scoop out a hearty portion of creamy pasta, and you’re set for a flavorful meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You toss the ingredients into your crockpot, let it do all the cooking, and come back to a comforting, home-cooked dinner that feels special.

The slow cooking process not only makes the chicken tender but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s as if you’ve spent hours preparing this dish, but really, it’s a matter of just a few minutes of prep time! Perfect for families or anyone who craves a delicious meal without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for the kids or surprising friends, this recipe is sure to please. Let’s jump right into why this Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta works so well!

Why This Recipe Works

Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta combines the convenience of slow cooking with the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. As the hours go by, the chicken marinates in the savory marinara sauce and cream cheese, turning into a tender delight. This slow cooking magic means that even pasta, when added, gets infused with all the delicious, creamy, tomato-based sauce. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience, filled with warmth and comfort that only a homemade meal can bring.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta

This recipe is absolutely perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and an easy set-it-and-forget-it approach, you can spend more time relaxing and less time worrying about dinner. All while filling your kitchen with those mouthwatering aromas inviting the family to the table. Trust me; the smiles at mealtime will make it all worth it. It’s not just about feeding the family; it’s about sharing those moments that make dinner feel like a treasured occasion.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.25 pounds chicken breast tenders, raw
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
25 oz marinara sauce (1 jar)
12 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves
1 lb pasta (cooked; Gemelli pasta recommended)
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade for garnish (optional)

How to Make Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta

Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Begin by adding the chopped onion and minced garlic into a cold crockpot. Then toss in the raw chicken breast tenders. It’s really that straightforward! Arrange everything in the crockpot nicely so those flavors can mingle later.

Add Sauces and Seasoning

Next, pour the marinara sauce over the chicken. Add in the cream cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Mix gently to combine everything evenly. The layers of flavor are starting to build at this point, and it’s going to be delicious!

Set and Forget

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours. If your model tends to cook hot, check on it at the 2.5-hour mark to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Once you see it’s done, you’ll know you’re in for a treat!

Shred the Chicken

After the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the sauce. Don’t forget to discard those bay leaves. This is where the magic happens—shredded chicken soaking up all that creamy goodness!

Combine with Pasta

Stir the shredded chicken thoroughly into the creamy sauce. Make sure the cream cheese has completely melted and blended in. Once you’ve achieved that rich, creamy consistency, toss in the freshly cooked pasta and mix everything until well combined. It’s hard not to lick the spoon at this point!

Garnish and Serve

For a pop of freshness, garnish your delicious dish with some chiffonade of fresh basil. It not only looks beautiful but also adds an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To round out your meal, consider pairing this creamy pasta dish with a side of garlic bread. A fresh green salad also complements it beautifully. Together, these sides not only satisfy hunger but enhance those rich flavors.

Tips for Success

Check the seasoning: The flavor of marinara can vary between brands. So, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed after cooking.
Pasta choice: While Gemelli is fantastic for holding sauce, feel free to get creative with any pasta shape you like.
Shredding technique: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This makes shredding easier and allows that steam to escape.

Variations

Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Veggie Lovers: Stir in some spinach or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for some added color and nutrition.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which isn’t always the case because it’s that good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Pairing Ideas

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti. The right wine enhances the dining experience and creates a lovely atmosphere.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, that works! Just remember to add an extra hour to the cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta or any dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just switch to your favorite gluten-free pasta.

4. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream or even cashew cream.

5. Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Definitely, prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. Just cook them the next day.

Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that packs all the flavors you love in one cozy bowl. The slow cooker takes the stress out of your evenings, giving you a creamy pasta dish that warms the heart. It brings friends and family together, and every bite embraces that feeling of home. So grab your crockpot, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that you’ll be dreaming about long after it’s gone!