Welcome to the ultimate comfort food reimagined for your busy schedule! This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta recipe effortlessly blends the beloved, creamy, savory flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with the satisfying heartiness of tender pasta, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Forget the fuss of traditional pastry crusts and intricate steps; this dish delivers all the warmth and nostalgia you crave with minimal effort, making it the ideal solution for a wholesome, delicious, and stress-free weeknight dinner.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: A Comfort Food Dream
There’s nothing quite like the embrace of a warm bowl of chicken pot pie. Its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and medley of vegetables evoke feelings of home and happiness. But let’s be honest, making a traditional pot pie from scratch can be a time-consuming affair. That’s where this ingenious Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta recipe comes in, transforming a labor of love into a simple, hands-off meal that tastes every bit as delicious as the original. By leveraging the power of your slow cooker, you can achieve that deep, comforting flavor profile without being chained to your stove.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of a perfectly cooked meal. With just a few minutes of initial prep—dicing an onion and gathering your ingredients—your slow cooker takes over, simmering away to create a savory sensation. This means more quality time for you, whether it’s helping with homework, unwinding with family, or simply relaxing. Plus, this dish is a proven crowd-pleaser, earning rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they make for an excellent, convenient lunch the next day, bringing a smile to your midday meal.
This is so delicious! Made exactly to the recipe! Wouldn’t change a thing – thank you!
– Macey
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
It’s generally recommended to taste the dish before adding extra salt. Ingredients like cream of chicken soup and Better Than Bouillon already contribute a significant amount of sodium. Once the pasta is cooked and added, give the dish a good stir and taste. If you feel it needs more, add a pinch (⅛ teaspoon at a time) and re-taste. For those sensitive to sodium or actively trying to reduce their intake, opting for low-sodium or no-sodium versions of canned soups and bouillons is a great strategy. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out!
Better Than Bouillon is a concentrated paste that offers an incredible depth of flavor, often surpassing that of traditional bouillon cubes. It’s typically found in the soup or broth aisle of most major grocery stores, often near the regular bouillon cubes or liquid broths. If you can’t locate it, a bouillon cube can be used as a substitute, though the flavor may not be quite as robust. If using a cube, crush it before adding to help it dissolve evenly. Several other brands offer similar concentrated broths now, but Better Than Bouillon is widely recognized for its quality. If all else fails, you can often find chicken Better Than Bouillon online for home delivery.
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile when it comes to pasta choices. Any pasta shape of a similar size to rotini, such as shells, penne, elbow macaroni, rigatoni, or bow tie (farfalle), would work wonderfully. Pasta shapes with ridges or nooks and crannies tend to hold onto the creamy sauce better, which can enhance the overall eating experience if that’s a texture you enjoy.
While some slow cooker recipes allow for pasta to be cooked directly in the pot, for this particular dish, it is highly recommended to cook the pasta separately. If pasta is added too early and cooks for an extended period in the slow cooker, it can easily become overcooked and mushy, leading to an undesirable texture. This is a lesson many home cooks, myself included, have learned the hard way! Cooking it separately ensures perfect al dente pasta every time. For ultimate convenience, microwaveable pasta can be a quick and easy option for this step.
This hearty Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is quite a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can elevate the experience. For a classic pairing, consider serving it with warm, fluffy biscuits or savory breadsticks (store-bought refrigerated dough works perfectly for a quick option). To add freshness and balance, a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables, such as frozen steam-in-the-bag varieties, are excellent choices and keep the meal prep simple.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquids as it cools. While technically possible, freezing leftovers is not recommended for this recipe. The texture of the pasta and the creamy sauce can change significantly after thawing and reheating, often becoming somewhat grainy or mushy. For the best quality, enjoy this dish fresh or from the refrigerator within a few days.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pot Pie Pasta
Crafting this delightful slow cooker chicken pot pie pasta requires a blend of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips:
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the creamy base of our pot pie sauce. To manage sodium levels, especially if you or your family are sensitive to salt, opt for low-sodium or no-sodium versions. This allows you to control the seasoning precisely, adding salt to taste at the end. For an even fresher, homemade touch and full control over ingredients, consider making your own Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup.
- Yellow Onion: Finely diced yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth. If onions aren’t a favorite, feel free to omit them. For those who prefer a melt-in-your-mouth soft onion texture, you can quickly sauté it in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Mixed Vegetables: A bag of frozen mixed vegetables is your best friend for convenience here. It typically includes peas, carrots, green beans, and corn, providing a colorful and nutritious boost. If you have specific preferences, you can customize this – perhaps just peas and carrots, or leave them out entirely if desired.
- Chicken Better Than Bouillon: This paste is a game-changer for flavor, offering a rich, concentrated chicken essence that enhances the entire dish. As discussed in the FAQ section, if unavailable, a crushed bouillon cube can work in a pinch, though the flavor intensity might differ.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and black pepper provides the quintessential pot pie flavor profile. These spices are key to achieving that familiar, comforting taste.
- Chicken Tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins cook up wonderfully tender in the slow cooker. However, this recipe is highly adaptable to other chicken cuts. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor, or chicken breasts cut into smaller pieces.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture. For the best consistency and taste, heavy cream is recommended. If you need a substitute, full-fat milk or half-and-half can be used, but be aware that the sauce might be slightly thinner or less rich.
- Rotini Pasta: This spiral pasta is excellent for catching and holding the creamy sauce. Remember to measure the pasta before cooking, as its volume changes significantly once cooked. Refer to the FAQ section for other suitable pasta options.
Simple Steps to Your Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Creating this satisfying dish is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the process and the delicious outcome without stress. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of home to your dinner table:
- Combine Base Ingredients: Begin by adding your foundational ingredients to a 5-6 quart slow cooker. This includes two 10.5-ounce cans of cream of chicken soup (remember to choose low-sodium if preferred), half a cup of finely chopped yellow onion, a 12-ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables, half a tablespoon of chicken Better Than Bouillon, one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Stir all these ingredients gently until they are well combined, creating a rich, aromatic base for your pasta.
- Add Chicken and Cook: Carefully place 1.5 pounds of chicken tenderloins on top of the mixture in the crock pot. Gently stir once more to ensure the chicken is partially submerged and coated with the flavorful sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. For a faster cook, set it on HIGH for 3-4 hours. If you prefer a longer, more gradual cook, set it on LOW for 6-8 hours. The chicken will become wonderfully tender and absorb all the delightful flavors of the pot pie sauce during this time.
- Cook the Pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before the slow cooker’s cooking time is complete, begin cooking your pasta. Prepare 8 ounces of rotini pasta (measured before cooking) according to the package directions. It’s crucial to cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy, as discussed in our FAQ. Once cooked to your desired al dente, drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Shred Chicken and Stir: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker (or, if tender enough, shred it directly in the pot using two forks). If removing it, place it on a cutting board and use a knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded or diced chicken to the slow cooker and mix it well with the creamy vegetable sauce.
- Enrich with Cream and Pasta: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the slow cooker, stirring it through the chicken and vegetable mixture. This adds a final touch of richness and silky texture to the sauce. Immediately follow by adding the freshly cooked and drained pasta. Stir gently, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the luxurious pot pie sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste a spoonful of your Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. If you find it needs more salt, add it sparingly – about ⅛ of a teaspoon at a time – and mix well before tasting again. Finally, for a beautiful presentation and a hint of fresh flavor, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried parsley over the top before serving. Dish it out into bowls and enjoy this incredibly comforting and easy meal!
Craving More Cozy Recipes?
If you loved this comforting pasta dish, you’re in for a treat! Explore more recipes that bring the hearty, homestyle flavors you adore to your table with ease. From classic pot pies to innovative twists, these dishes are perfect for family meals or a cozy night in:
- Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Homemade Individual Chicken Pot Pies
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
- Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Pot Pie Ramen
- Chicken Cobbler
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
All the savory and comforting flavors that you know and love about Chicken Pot Pie, but in a pasta dish and made with the ease of the Slow Cooker.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup (can use low or no sodium)
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 12 ounce bag mixed vegetables
- ½ Tablespoon chicken Better Than Bouillon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins (it’s ok if it is slightly less or more)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (measured before cooking) (½ of a 16 ounce box)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- To a 5-6 quart crock pot add 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 12 ounce bag mixed vegetables, 1/2 Tablespoon chicken Better Than Bouillon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins in and gently stir to incorporate it with the other ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, cook 8 ounces rotini pasta (measured before cooking) according to package directions. Then drain well.
- Shred the chicken with 2 forks (or remove and cut up with a knife). Mix to combine.
- Add 1 cup heavy cream to the crock pot.
- Then add the cooked pasta to the crock pot. Stir gently until combined.
- Taste to see if any salt is needed. Add ⅛ of a teaspoon of salt at a time if you find it needs it.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried parsley on top and serve!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 759mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
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.
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