Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal? This Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is your answer! It’s a simple, one-pot dish perfect for busy families. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do the work. You’ll come home to a warm, delicious dinner that everyone will love. My kids gobble this up, and my husband always asks for seconds!
This Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, savory sauce. Plus, the slow cooker makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a true weeknight winner! For other delicious chicken recipes, check out my baked chicken breast recipe.
Why this Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is Special
This Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe isn’t just easy; it’s bursting with flavor. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and the sauce develops a deep, rich taste. Plus, the one-pot method means fewer dishes – a major bonus for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), optional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients really make this Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe shine. The chopped onion adds a sweetness, while the minced garlic provides a savory depth. Don’t skip the fresh herbs for serving! A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh element. If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, feel free to use those instead of dried—about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped.
Pantry Staples
This recipe relies on pantry staples like canned tomatoes and chicken broth. Crushed and diced tomatoes create a flavorful sauce base, and the chicken broth adds richness. Having these items on hand makes this a quick and easy meal to throw together any night of the week. For another simple pantry staple recipe, try my Navy Bean Soup. Dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper are pantry staples that season the dish perfectly.
Chicken Selection
For this Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice. They cook evenly and become wonderfully tender in the slow cooker. If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too. They add even more flavor and moisture! Learn more about chicken nutrition.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools for this Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe:
- A slow cooker (crock-pot)
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A large skillet (if searing chicken)
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Crock-Pot Sizes
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It comfortably holds all the ingredients. If you have a smaller 4-quart slow cooker, you might need to reduce the ingredient amounts slightly or cook the pasta separately. A larger slow cooker, 8-quarts or more, will work if you’re doubling the recipe or feeding a crowd. Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Try this Corned Beef recipe.
Other helpful tools
While not essential, a few other tools can be helpful. A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A garlic press makes mincing garlic quick and easy. A colander is handy for draining any excess water from the pasta if needed. You can find helpful tips on using a meat thermometer here.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta dinner:
Preparing the Chicken
First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown if you choose to sear them. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you skip searing, add the olive oil directly to the slow cooker. Check out this article on how to use salt effectively in your cooking.
Building the Flavor Base
If you seared the chicken, use the same skillet to build your flavor base. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. If you didn’t sear the chicken, heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat before adding the onion and garlic. This step creates a flavorful foundation for your sauce. It’s where the magic starts!
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies (if using), and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together.
Slow Cooking the Chicken and Sauce
Transfer the sauce from the skillet to your slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so it’s always best to check the chicken’s temperature. Low and slow cooking creates the most tender chicken. For another flavorful slow cooker option, consider Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage.
Adding the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine with the sauce and chicken. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender, about 20-30 minutes on high, or until cooked through. If the sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, you can add a little more chicken broth, about ½ cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t overcook the pasta; you want it al dente, not mushy! If you’re unsure about cooking pasta, see my tips on making pastina.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe:
Different Pasta Shapes
While penne, rotini, and farfalle work wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes. Just keep in mind that smaller pasta shapes will cook faster. If using smaller pasta, add it closer to the end of the cooking time, about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, as it tends to get mushy in the slow cooker. Shapes that hold the sauce well, like shells or fusilli, are also excellent choices. Check the pasta package for recommended cooking times and adjust accordingly. Explore more pasta options with these ground beef recipes.
Spice it Up!
For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce along with the other spices. You can also add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder version, especially for kids, simply omit the spicy ingredients. You can always add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to individual servings if desired. A little goes a long way!
Vegetable Additions
Boost the nutrition and flavor of this dish by adding your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or chopped zucchini can be added to the slow cooker along with the chicken and sauce. If using heartier vegetables like carrots or potatoes, add them earlier in the cooking process. For leafy greens like spinach, add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. They wilt quickly and retain their vibrant color. Get creative with your veggie combinations! For a completely different flavor profile, consider this Asparagus Lemon Pasta recipe.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. For a lighter side, try a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. To garnish, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. A dollop of pesto adds another layer of Italian flavor. Serve warm and enjoy! This dish is also delicious with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing individual portions makes for quick and easy weeknight meals. For more information on storing leftovers safely, check out this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to cook pasta before putting it in the crockpot?
Nope! One of the best things about this recipe is that you don’t have to pre-cook the pasta. Just add the dry pasta directly to the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time. It will cook perfectly in the sauce and chicken juices. This saves you a pot and some time!
How do you make creamy chicken pasta in a crockpot?
If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese, ½ cup of heavy cream, or 1 cup of milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking, along with the pasta. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the amount of dairy to your liking.
Can you put raw chicken straight into a slow cooker?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to put raw chicken directly into the slow cooker. The slow cooking process will ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s temperature before serving.
Is there an Italian pasta dish with chicken?
While chicken isn’t as common in traditional Italian pasta dishes as it is in Italian-American cuisine, it’s still a delicious and popular addition. This Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe takes inspiration from those familiar flavors to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is a weeknight game-changer! It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy families. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a warm and comforting meal to enjoy. I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as my family does. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you create in the comments below!