Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot
As the leaves turn vibrant colors and the evenings become brisk, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to cozy up with after a long day. Enter Delicious Creamy Chicken Pasta, a stellar dish you can effortlessly prepare in your crockpot, making it the perfect solution for busy fall weeknights.
Why Use a Crockpot?
Crockpots, or slow cookers, are your best friend when it comes to simplifying meal prep. Just toss in your ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinner time. This method not only enhances flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld, but it also ensures tender, juicy chicken that practically falls apart — just the texture you want for a creamy pasta dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this hearty autumn pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 2-3 boneless, skinless pieces
- Pasta: 8 oz of your favorite type (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups (optional but recommended for added nutrition and color)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
2. Assemble in the Crockpot
In the crockpot, add your seared chicken, minced garlic, diced onion, and chicken broth. If you prefer a more robust garlic flavor, feel free to increase the quantity. This will cook down and imbed itself into the chicken, creating a rich base for your sauce.
3. Add Cream Cheese
Cut your cream cheese into small cubes and sprinkle it over the top of the chicken. This will melt beautifully over the cooking process, creating that creamy consistency we all love.
4. Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You will know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Cook the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
6. Combine and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the cooked pasta, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well-incorporated. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to wilt the spinach and meld the flavors.
7. Plate and Enjoy!
Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a perfect fall dinner that will leave everyone satisfied.
Quick Tips for Success
- Meal Prep: Consider chopping your vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
- Variations: Swap out chicken for turkey or add your favorite roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrients.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Creamy Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth to your fall evenings. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is bound to become a family favorite on your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the delightful aromas and creamy goodness every time you serve it up!