If you are looking for a comforting, utterly delicious, and hands-off meal, the Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in rich marinara and creamy Alfredo sauces with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all topped off with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a wonderful blend of Italian flavors that creates a hearty, soul-satisfying dinner perfect for busy weekdays or weekend family meals. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that classic Italian taste and satisfying texture. From the seasoned chicken breasts to the blend of sauces and cheese, every component is essential for achieving that homestyle comfort.
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory profile for a well-rounded taste.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic mix of herbs that instantly brings an authentic Italian vibe.
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: The tomato base that’s rich, tangy, and full of flavor.
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: Adds luscious creaminess to balance the tomato sauce perfectly.
- 12 oz penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and delivers delightful bite.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, topping the dish with irresistible cheesiness.
How to Make Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Slow Cook the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken to infuse every bite with incredible flavor. Next, pour both the spaghetti and Alfredo sauces over the chicken, surrounding it with that perfect blend of tangy tomato and creamy richness. Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let it work its magic for about 6 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
While the chicken is slow cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a slight firmness to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside; you want it ready once the chicken is done.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Combine
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it carefully from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and add your cooked penne pasta. Gently stir everything together so the pasta is coated evenly with that delicious sauce. This part is so satisfying because you can already see the dish coming together beautifully!
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top of the pasta mixture in the slow cooker. Place the lid back on and switch the setting to HIGH heat. Let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the mozzarella melts into the dish, creating a bubbly, cheesy layer that’s irresistible. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, and a dusting of parmesan if you like.
How to Serve Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves give a bright, herby note that lightens the richness, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick to wake up your taste buds. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese adds even more savory depth and a lovely salty finish. These garnishes don’t just make the dish prettier; they elevate every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to sop up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the hearty pasta and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe family-style in the slow cooker right at the table. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins and broil the tops until the cheese bubbles golden for a restaurant-style presentation at home. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on each serving plate for a pop of color and aroma that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the pasta and chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry to restore the creamy sauce’s luscious texture. Finish with a quick melt of fresh mozzarella if you want that fresh-out-of-the-slow-cooker feel.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often stay more moist during slow cooking, which adds even more flavor and juiciness to the dish.
Do I have to use both spaghetti sauce and Alfredo sauce?
Using both sauces creates the perfect balance between tangy and creamy, which makes this recipe so special. However, if you prefer, you can adjust the proportions to your taste or use all marinara for a tomato-based dish or all Alfredo for a creamier twist.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the slow cooker function or using the pressure cooker function with quick-release after about 15 minutes, but be sure to check your pasta cooking method separately as it cooks quickly.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne pasta is ideal because its tubular shape holds the sauce nicely, but you can also use other sturdy pastas like rigatoni or rotini if you prefer.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild, creamy, and cheesy flavors are usually a hit with kids. You can reduce or skip the red pepper flakes when serving little ones to keep it mild.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe enough for those days when you want a delicious, comforting meal with almost no fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, melding flavors and tenderizing the chicken to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for family dinners. Give it a try, and I bet it will become one of your favorite go-to meals in no time!
Print
Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich blend of marinara and Alfredo sauces, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ideal for a hassle-free dinner that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauces
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Pour the entire jars of spaghetti sauce and Alfredo sauce over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for about 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Shred Chicken and Combine: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the cooked pasta thoroughly to coat with the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture inside the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH heat for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes for a little heat, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving to add extra flavor and presentation appeal.
Notes
- For creamier sauce, stir the sauce mixture well before adding pasta.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- If you want a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes earlier in the slow cooker step.
- Use low-sodium spaghetti sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
