Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken, a velvety Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With minimal prep and hands-free cooking, it’s an easy, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked
- ½ cup fresh diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder and black pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Slow Cook: Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix over it. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: Remove the chicken and slice it into strips. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped spinach into the slow cooker, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta, toss everything together, and let sit on warm for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered on warm for 5-10 minutes.
- Substitute fresh basil for parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Olive Garden chicken pasta, crockpot chicken recipe