Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and the sauce develops deep flavor. The creamy texture makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors. Plus, it’s versatile—great with different pasta shapes or even over rice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cream cheese, softened
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Cook pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return it to the sauce.
6. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5–6 hours on low (or 2–3 hours on high)
Total time: 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)

Variations

• Add spinach or peas for a vegetable boost.
• Use shredded cheddar or gouda instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Stir in cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture. For freezing, store the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta to avoid mushiness.

FAQs

Can I put uncooked pasta in the slow cooker?

It’s best to cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming overly soft.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.

What pasta shape works best?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli hold the sauce well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then add fresh pasta before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add more Parmesan cheese or let the sauce cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just reduce cooking time to about 1–2 hours on low to heat through.

How can I make this spicy?

Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or use pepper jack cheese.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli work well—add them halfway through cooking.

Conclusion

Slow cooker creamy chicken pasta is a fuss-free, comforting dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With tender chicken, a luscious cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the kind of meal that will quickly become a family favorite for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta

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A rich, comforting slow cooker dish where tender chicken breasts simmer in a creamy, cheesy sauce and are tossed with pasta for an easy, family-friendly meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
3. 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
4. 1 cup chicken broth
5. 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
6. 1 tsp garlic powder
7. 1 tsp onion powder
8. Salt and black pepper, to taste
9. 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11. 1 lb short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
12. 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

1. In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Cook pasta separately according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return it to the sauce.
5. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
6. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

1. Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.
2. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for added juiciness.
3. Stir in cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
4. Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
5. For freezing, store chicken and sauce separately from pasta.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 150mg