Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked slowly with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan. Finished with fresh spinach, basil, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lb chicken breasts
- 2-3 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp sea salt and pepper (adjust to your preference)
Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Vegetables and Add-ins
- ½ cup Italian herb sun-dried tomatoes (excess oil removed)
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 3 oz baby spinach
- ¼ cup chopped basil
Pasta
- ¾ lb short pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Lightly spray the bottom of the crock pot with oil. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Add Vegetables and Cream Sauce: Layer the sliced mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken. In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the cream sauce. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring the chicken is fully covered.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for about 3 to 4 hours. Check in after 2 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce looks curdled, stir it gently to reincorporate the cream cheese.
- Shred the Chicken and Add Greens: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred or cube it as preferred. Return the chicken to the crock pot. Add the baby spinach and chopped fresh basil, stirring gently to wilt the spinach and blend the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta of your choice (penne or rotini recommended) in salted boiling water to al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the crock pot with the creamy chicken mixture. Garnish with additional fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a warm, creamy, and comforting meal.
Notes
- Cook times may vary depending on your crock pot model; always verify chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- If the cream sauce appears curdled, it’s likely just the cream cheese binding; a good stir will bring back its creamy texture.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley to enhance freshness and flavor.
- Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to hold the creamy sauce well.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
