Ultimate Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta: An Effortless Family Favorite

Prepare to discover your new go-to family meal! This Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is a marvel of convenience and flavor, designed to bring joy to your dinner table without the fuss. Imagine tender, succulent chicken bathed in a rich, creamy Italian sauce, perfectly complemented by al dente pasta and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a dish that embodies comfort food while requiring minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that tastes like it took hours, but truly only takes minutes of active prep time.

Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Pasta

This Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta has been a cherished recipe in countless households for good reason. Its simplicity, delicious flavor, and cost-effectiveness make it an absolute winner. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Unbeatable Ease: The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to go about your day while dinner practically cooks itself. No complex techniques or constant stirring required.
• Rich and Satisfying Flavor: The combination of Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese creates a deeply savory and wonderfully creamy sauce that coats every piece of chicken and pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, sweet burst that elevates the entire dish.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: All the components of this recipe are readily available at any grocery store and won’t break the bank. It’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers without spending a fortune.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This pasta dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it universally appealing, ensuring clean plates every time.
• Versatile and Adaptable: While perfect as is, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize to your family’s preferences. Add more vegetables, change the pasta shape, or adjust the seasoning to make it your own.

The Magic of Slow Cooking: Perfect for Busy Weeknights

The slow cooker is an indispensable kitchen appliance, especially for those seeking delicious meals with minimal effort. This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta recipe truly shines when prepared in a crock pot, leveraging its ability to slowly meld flavors and tenderize ingredients to perfection. Here’s why slow cooking is the ideal method for this dish:

• Hands-Off Cooking: After a quick initial prep, you simply set it and forget it. This frees up your time for other activities, making it perfect for busy weekdays when you want a homemade meal without being tied to the stove.
• Incredible Tenderness: The low and slow cooking process ensures that the chicken breasts become incredibly tender and moist, practically melting in your mouth. This level of tenderness is difficult to achieve with faster cooking methods.
• Deep Flavor Infusion: As the ingredients simmer together for hours, the flavors from the Italian dressing mix, onions, garlic, and broth deeply penetrate the chicken, creating a more cohesive and intensely flavorful dish.
• Even Cooking: Slow cookers provide gentle, consistent heat, which helps to cook the chicken evenly and prevent it from drying out, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time.
• One-Pot (Almost) Wonder: While the pasta is cooked separately, the main chicken and sauce components come together in one pot, simplifying cleanup considerably.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Italian Masterpiece

Crafting this delightful Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta requires a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We recommend 1 to 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Using boneless, skinless chicken ensures a lean protein source that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even frozen chicken breasts (just be sure to shred or cut them after cooking).
• Chicken Broth: Approximately ¾ cup, divided. Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though chicken broth offers the best flavor.
• Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: One packet of this seasoning is crucial for infusing that distinctive Italian zest into the chicken. It’s a convenient shortcut that provides a balanced blend of herbs and spices.
• Chopped Onion: About ½ cup. Freshly chopped onion adds an aromatic base and sweetness to the creamy sauce. Yellow or white onions work best here.
• Minced Garlic: One clove, minced, or more to taste. Garlic is a foundational flavor in Italian cooking. We encourage you to “measure with your heart” when it comes to garlic – if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
• Cream of Chicken Soup: One 10.75-ounce can. This provides a rich, savory foundation for the creamy sauce, contributing to its comforting texture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block, softened. This is the secret to achieving that wonderfully smooth, luscious, and tangy creaminess that defines the dish. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easier blending.
• Rotini or Penne Pasta: One 16-ounce box, cooked al dente. Spiral or tube-shaped pastas are excellent choices as they effectively capture and hold the creamy sauce. Cook the pasta separately just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
• Optional Toppings: Freshly chopped parsley and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These garnishes add a burst of color, freshness, and an extra layer of gourmet flavor. Don’t underestimate the power of sun-dried tomatoes; they provide a concentrated, sweet-tart taste that perfectly balances the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Creating this delicious Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a heartwarming meal ready with minimal effort.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken directly into your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken easier to incorporate into the pasta later.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the dry Italian salad dressing mix evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add ¼ cup of chicken broth (or water) and stir gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are well-coated with the seasoning.
3. Initial Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to the LOW setting. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb the Italian flavors.



4. Sauté Aromatics: About 1 hour before the chicken is done, prepare your creamy sauce. Lightly spray a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.



5. Create the Cream Sauce Base: To the saucepan with the sautéed aromatics, add the can of cream of chicken soup, the remaining ½ cup of chicken broth, and the softened block of cream cheese.
6. Whisk Until Smooth: Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is completely smooth and free of lumps. A whisk can be very helpful here to ensure a silky consistency. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your pasta dish.



7. Combine and Finish Slow Cooking: Carefully add the prepared cream mixture to the slow cooker, incorporating it with the cooked chicken. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and continue to cook on the LOW setting for an additional hour. Important Note: Avoid cooking creamy mixtures in the slow cooker for much longer than an hour after adding the dairy, as they can sometimes curdle or separate if overcooked at high temperatures or for extended periods.



8. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken and cream sauce are finishing their final hour in the slow cooker, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your rotini or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
9. Combine Pasta and Serve: Just before you’re ready to serve, add the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker with the creamy Italian chicken. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.



10. Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle generous portions into bowls. For a final flourish, top with freshly chopped parsley and plenty of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These not only add visual appeal but also enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors of the dish.

Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

While the recipe is simple, a few expert tips can elevate your Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta from great to absolutely exceptional:

• Don’t Skimp on Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems are flavor powerhouses! Their concentrated sweet and tangy taste cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. You can add them as a topping, or for a deeper infusion of flavor, stir a portion into the pot along with the cream mixture during the last hour of cooking.
• Garlic is Your Friend: The recipe calls for one clove of minced garlic, but as true garlic enthusiasts know, garlic is an ingredient you can often “measure with your heart.” If you love a robust garlic flavor, feel free to double or even triple the amount.
• Using Frozen Chicken Breasts: If you’re using frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can typically place them directly into the slow cooker. However, the cooking time might need to be slightly extended. After the initial cooking time (e.g., 4-5 hours on low), remove the chicken, shred or cut it into cubes, and then return it to the slow cooker before adding the cream mixture.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your pasta separately and add it to the slow cooker just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to absorb some sauce once mixed in.
• Cream Cheese Prep: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the saucepan. This will make it much easier to whisk into a smooth, lump-free sauce. If it’s too cold, it will be harder to incorporate and could result in a lumpy sauce.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or even a splash of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, you can try simmering the cream sauce gently on the stovetop for a few extra minutes before adding it to the slow cooker, allowing it to reduce slightly.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a wonderful freshness and vibrant color that brightens the entire dish.
• Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquids as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Versatile Variations & Customizations

This Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Add More Vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the onion and garlic. Stir in some frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Cheesy Twist: For an even cheesier experience, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella along with the cream cheese. The subtle nuttiness of Parmesan or the meltiness of mozzarella will add another layer of indulgence.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the Italian dressing mix, or sprinkle them over your individual serving.
• Herbaceous Enhancements: Beyond parsley, consider adding other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for different aromatic notes. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor.
• Protein Alternatives: While chicken is classic, you could also adapt this recipe for sliced Italian sausage (browned first) or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While rotini and penne are great, feel free to use other sturdy pasta shapes like farfalle (bow-tie), rigatoni, or even fettuccine for a different mouthfeel.

Can You Make This on the Stovetop? A Detailed Alternative

Absolutely! While the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience, this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta can certainly be adapted for stovetop preparation if you’re short on time or prefer a quicker cooking method. The key is using pre-cooked chicken and building the sauce in layers. Here’s how to do it:

• Prepare Chicken: You’ll need pre-cooked chicken for the stovetop method. This could be leftover roasted chicken, boiled chicken breasts, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
• Sauté Aromatics: In a very large, deep pan or Dutch oven, spray a generous amount of nonstick cooking spray or add a tablespoon of olive oil. Over medium heat, sauté ½ cup of chopped onion and 1 clove (or more!) of minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and translucent.
• Build the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese, one 10.75-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, 1 packet of dry Italian salad dressing mix, and ¾ cup of chicken broth to the pan.
• Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk the mixture continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. This might take a few minutes.
• Combine with Chicken and Pasta: Add your pre-cooked chicken and 16 ounces of cooked rotini or penne pasta (cooked separately to al dente according to package directions) to the creamy sauce in the pan.
• Heat Through: Stir everything together until the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated in the sauce. Cover the pan and let it gently simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded.
• Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

What to Serve with Your Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

This rich and flavorful Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce. My Skillet Caprese Cornbread would also be a fantastic choice.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Think vibrant steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or Italian Green Beans. These add color, texture, and a healthy component to your meal.
• Caesar Salad: A classic pairing with any Italian-inspired dish, offering a tangy, savory counterpoint.
• Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: A fresh Caprese-style salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic glaze would be a delightful accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be even more forgiving and flavorful in the slow cooker.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
  A: Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the Italian dressing mix, or stir them into the cream sauce.
• Q: What if my sauce is too thin?
  A: If you find your sauce is too thin after the final cooking, you can remove a cup of sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch, then return it to the slow cooker and stir until thickened. Or, allow the sauce to simmer on the stovetop briefly to reduce before adding to the slow cooker.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
  A: The chicken and cream sauce can be made a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, then cook and add fresh pasta. Adding the pasta too early will make it mushy.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  A: Store any leftover Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
  A: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess, as the pasta will absorb much of the sauce during storage. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

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• 30 Chicken Breast Recipes

Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe Card

This Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta recipe will be your new family favorite meal. Easy, flavorful and topped with sun-dried tomatoes!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours (4 hours initial chicken cook + 1 hour with sauce)

Total Time: Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¾ cup chicken broth (divided use)
• 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced (more if you prefer)
• 10.75 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
• 16 ounce box rotini or penne pasta, cooked
• Chopped parsley & chopped sun-dried tomatoes for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Place cubed chicken in slow cooker and sprinkle with dry Italian salad dressing. Add ¼ cup chicken broth (or water) and gently stir.
2. Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours.
3. Spray a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion and garlic for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
4. Add cream of chicken soup, ½ cup chicken broth, and softened cream cheese to the saucepan.
5. Stir until cream cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. You may need to use a whisk to get any lumps out. Whisk it really good until mixture is smooth.
6. Add cream mixture to slow cooker (along with the cooked chicken already in there), cover, and cook on low setting for an additional hour. Meanwhile, you can start cooking your pasta.
7. Add cooked pasta to slow cooker just before serving. Mix thoroughly.
8. Top with chopped parsley and chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional).

Video

Notes

• Don’t skimp on the sun-dried tomatoes. If you want, you can add them into the pot towards the end when you add the cream mixture. They really add so much flavor!
• I love garlic so I tend to add more than what is listed in this recipe. It’s one of those ingredients you sort of measure with your heart.
• You can use frozen chicken breasts if you want. You’ll just need to remove them after the cooking time and shred them or cut them up.
• You could make this on the stovetop by using pre-cooked chicken breasts. Sauté onion and garlic in a very deep pan or pot, add cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, soup, and broth. Whisk together until smooth. Then add in cooked chicken and cooked pasta. Stir well, cover and cook until everything is heated through. Stirring frequently.

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 750mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Originally published: January 2013
Updated and republished: January 2021