Description
This creamy slow cooker chicken pasta is a delicious and easy meal featuring tender shredded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and offers maximum flavor, making it a go-to family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring an even coat.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) over the chicken.
- Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, tossing with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
- If using spinach, add it now and let it wilt for about 5 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, gently folding it into the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.
- Serve the chicken pasta onto plates or bowls.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread!
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes