At least once a week, I crave a hot and savory home-cooked meal that will warm me up, and I always turn to this crockpot chicken pasta recipe. Life can get hectic, and the thought of putting a lot of time and effort into one meal seems exhausting most of the time. But then one day, while I was at a friend’s house, I watched her make this crockpot chicken pasta, and I was amazed at how a hearty dish could be made so easily. A few days later, I gave it a try on my own, and it became my new favorite dish.
Crockpot chicken pasta is an easy, creamy, and versatile dish that combines the comfort of pasta and the satisfaction of slow-cooked chicken. My favorite part of this recipe is that you add all the ingredients at once, walk away, and then come back to a hot and delicious meal ready to be served. In this guide, I’ll teach you how to make your own crockpot chicken pasta. From tips on which pasta is best for slow cooking to how to avoid watery sauces and curdled cheese, this recipe is all you need to master your next favorite dish. Let’s get started!
Why Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipes Are a Weeknight Winner
Slow cookers are built for convenience, but when paired with chicken and pasta, they deliver restaurant-level comfort food without the effort. The chicken becomes tender, the pasta soaks up flavor, and the creamy sauce ties it all together in a dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Not only is this meal a time-saver, but it’s also budget-friendly, kid-approved, and simple to scale up for guests or meal prep.
“Think of crockpot chicken pasta as your dinner safety net—it always delivers when you need it most.”
The Core Ingredients for Creamy Perfection
If you want the best version of this dish, the ingredients need to balance texture and taste. Here’s a cheat sheet to keep it simple:
| Ingredient | Role in Recipe | When to Add |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | Juicier, more flavorful meat | At the start |
| Pasta (rotini, penne) | Holds up better in crockpot | Final 30 mins |
| Cream cheese | Adds richness, thickness | At the start |
| Heavy cream | Smooths and deepens sauce | Final 15–20 mins |
| Shredded cheese | Binds and flavors sauce | Final 15 mins |
| Broth | Liquid base for cooking | At the start |
| Garlic, herbs | Boost flavor | At the start |
Adding the cream cheese at the beginning allows it to melt slowly and infuse the dish with flavor, while adding heavy cream and shredded cheese later ensures the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t separate.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Start with Chicken and Seasoning
Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of chicken broth and dollops of cream cheese.
Step 2: Slow Cook on Low
Cover and cook for 4–5 hours on low until the chicken is tender and easy to shred. This is where the magic happens—flavors meld, and the chicken soaks up the seasoned base.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Pasta
Use two forks to shred the chicken in the crockpot. Stir everything, then add dry pasta and a bit more broth if needed. Make sure the pasta is just submerged.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Cook on high for another 25–30 minutes. In the final 15 minutes, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir a few times during the last stretch for even melting.
Choosing the Right Pasta for the Slow Cooker
Not all pasta types perform equally in a slow cooker. Delicate shapes like spaghetti or angel hair break apart easily, while sturdy shapes hold their texture.
| Pasta Type | Best For Slow Cooker? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rotini | Yes | Twists hold sauce well |
| Penne | Yes | Holds shape and texture |
| Bowtie (Farfalle) | Yes | Medium durability |
| Spaghetti | No | Overcooks easily |
| Elbow macaroni | Maybe | Use with caution |
For best results, always wait to add pasta until the chicken is cooked and shredded. This helps you avoid soggy noodles and overcooked sauce.
Can You Put Dry Pasta in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely, but timing is key. Dry pasta cooks directly in the sauce and absorbs a lot of moisture, so it’s best to:
- Add it during the final 30 minutes of cook time
- Stir it into the sauce and ensure it’s mostly covered in liquid
- Use extra broth if needed so it doesn’t dry out
If you add it too early, it will become mushy. Too late, and it may not cook evenly. Set a timer and test for doneness at the 25-minute mark.
Can You Put Jar Alfredo Sauce in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, and it’s actually one of the easiest ways to make a creamy chicken pasta in the crockpot. Jarred Alfredo sauce holds up well to long cooking and makes a rich, flavorful base.
Tips for using Alfredo sauce:
- Use full-fat versions to prevent separating
- Stir in shredded cheese near the end to thicken
- Add milk or broth if it seems too thick during cooking
For an even richer texture, combine the Alfredo with a spoonful of cream cheese and a dash of garlic powder. It takes the jarred sauce from store-bought to homemade in no time.
If you love shortcuts in the kitchen, you might also enjoy the rich, nostalgic flavor of pineapple casserole, another comfort dish that blends creamy elements with minimal effort.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?
You’ve probably seen Marry Me Chicken making waves online—its name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could earn a marriage proposal. It started as a skillet recipe but easily transforms into a creamy pasta dish in your crockpot.
What sets it apart?
- Sundried tomatoes add tang and richness
- Garlic and Italian seasoning layer on savory flavor
- Cream, Parmesan, and a hint of spice round it out
To make this version in your crockpot, simply add the sundried tomatoes, garlic, and broth at the beginning. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked, then stir in cooked pasta, cream, and Parmesan cheese to finish.
“It’s more than just dinner—it’s the kind of recipe that makes people fall in love with your cooking.”
The flavor layering in Marry Me Chicken—with sundried tomatoes, cream, and herbs—is just as bold and irresistible as the unique combo in this crab brulee recipe, where savory and unexpected elements create a show-stopping dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Chicken Pasta
To make the best possible version of this recipe, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Adding pasta too early: This will lead to soft, broken noodles. Always wait until the final 30 minutes.
- Using low-fat dairy: Skim milk and low-fat cheese often curdle or break in slow heat. Stick with full-fat versions.
- Skipping seasoning: The long cook time doesn’t fix bland food. Season your chicken and sauce from the start.
- Not enough liquid: Pasta needs to be mostly submerged to cook properly. Add more broth if needed.
“The key to crockpot success? Respect the timing. Cream, cheese, and pasta all have their perfect moment.”
FAQ: Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipes
How to make chicken pasta in a slow cooker?
Start with seasoned chicken, broth, and cream cheese in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Shred chicken, add dry pasta and cook for another 30 minutes. Finish with cream and cheese before serving.
Can you put dry pasta in a slow cooker?
Yes, but only during the final 30 minutes of cooking. It will absorb liquid from the sauce, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Why is it called “marry me chicken pasta”?
It comes from the popular “Marry Me Chicken” dish known for its irresistible combination of cream, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. The flavors are so good, the dish is said to be proposal-worthy.
Can you put jar Alfredo sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, jar Alfredo sauce works well. Use full-fat versions and add cream or cheese at the end to thicken and enhance flavor.
Final Thoughts: Making the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe
When done right, crockpot chicken pasta recipes are more than just another weeknight meal—they’re creamy, comforting dishes you’ll want to make again and again. There’s nothing intimidating about this recipe, so no matter how busy your schedule is, making this dish will always be doable, and now you can satiate your own cravings whenever you would like.
Another amazing aspect of this recipe is that there are many variations you can make, so play around with it and make your own custom version – whether it’s sticking to this one or trying a creative twist like sweet and sour chicken wings for your next weeknight hit.
I learned this recipe from a friend, and now I have passed it on to you, so give it a try in your own kitchen and let me know in the comments how easy and delicious making it was. Maybe even share it with a friend and let them experience the world of flavors and savoriness that crockpot chicken pasta has to offer!
Table of Contents
Crockpot Chicken Pasta (Creamy & Easy One-Pot Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cups chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add Chicken & Seasoning: Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and top with cubes of cream cheese.
- Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred Chicken & Add Pasta: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Add dry pasta and stir again. If needed, add an additional 1/2 cup of broth to ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
- Finish with Cream & Cheese: Switch heat to HIGH and cook for another 25–30 minutes. In the final 15 minutes, add the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, garnish with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Best Pasta Types: Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta hold up well in the slow cooker. Avoid delicate shapes like spaghetti or angel hair.
- Want a Shortcut? Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with a jar of full-fat Alfredo sauce. Just add it during the last 30 minutes.
- Marry Me Version: Add 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes at the beginning, and finish with Parmesan for that viral flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.