Slow Cooker Italian Parmesan Chicken and Pasta made with three types of cheese, pasta, chicken & Italian dressing! The chicken cooks slowly, melding flavors & creating a tasty pasta slow cooker meal.
Our recipe for Italian Chicken Pasta is an easy-to-make dish everyone enjoys! With just a few flavorful ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying weekday meal. The crockpot makes preparation easy, a perfect hassle-free family dinner!
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Pasta Ingredients
Chicken: Use 1 pound of chicken breast for the protein base of this main dish.
Italian dressing: 2 cups of Olive Garden Italian dressing flavors the chicken well and easily.
Cheeses: For a creamy taste use one block of cream cheese. Plus you need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Pasta: Adding 1 pound of pasta, cooked, will create a complete meal.
Seasonings: Give this dish plenty of flavor by adding 1 tsp of minced garlic, ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes, and some salt and pepper to your taste preference.
Tips for making Crockpot Italian Parmesan Chicken & Pasta
Full instructions in the recipe card below, but here are just a few tips to help make the process easier.
- For perfectly cooked pasta, it’s best to boil it until al dente. You’ll be adding the pasta to the slow cooker, it will continue to cook in there, so you don’t want to overcook it or it will become mushy.
- Shred the chicken once it’s fully cooked in the slow cooker. This helps the flavors soak in better and makes the pasta easier to mix in.
- Red pepper flakes should be added carefully. A ¼ tsp gives a nice, mild kick. Adjust this depending on your personal spice preference.
How long is this Chicken & Pasta good for?
Left overs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave to enjoy leftovers.
For longer storage, this pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Crockpot Italian Parmesan Chicken & Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups Italian dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 lb pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half and place in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken, then cut the cream cheese into fourths and place over the chicken.
- Set the crockpot on high for 2 hours, or low for 4 hours, and cook.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks and shred it in the crockpot, then stir the sauce into the chicken.
- In a large pot on the stove, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and add the pasta to the chicken in the slow cooker. Then add in the minced garlic.
- Stir in half the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the dish, place the lid on the crockpot for about 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Sprinkle the whole dish with the red pepper flakes and serve. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What alternative methods can be used to prepare Italian Parmesan chicken and pasta without a crockpot?
Italian Parmesan chicken and pasta can be prepared using several alternative methods. One option is to use an oven, baking the chicken in Italian dressing, cream cheese, and spices at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. A stove-top method involves sautéing the chicken and then simmering it in a sauce before mixing in the cooked pasta.
Variations of this Chicken & Pasta Crockpot Recipe
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or tofu for a different protein source. Or use cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Creamy Additions: Incorporate sour cream or Greek yogurt for an alternative creamy texture.
- Vegetable Additions: Add in some broccoli, asparagus, or green beans with the chicken for a nutritious add in.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano for a fragrant boost.
How can I avoid chicken becoming rubbery when cooking it in a crockpot?
To prevent rubbery chicken, it’s crucial not to overcook the meat. Keeping the cooking time to the recommended duration and ensuring enough liquid in the crockpot will help maintain moisture. Using chicken breasts that are the same size will ensure even cooking.
Is it safe to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is safe to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker. Best practices include ensuring the chicken is fully thawed and not overloading the crockpot. Additionally, using a food thermometer to confirm that the chicken reaches the safe minimum internal temperature is recommended.
Are there alternative dressings that can be used for this recipe?
Yes, other Italian-style dressings or vinaigrettes can work well. Look for dressings with similar herb and garlic profiles for a comparable flavor. Homemade Italian dressing using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs can be a good substitute if you prefer to avoid store-bought options.
Creamy Crockpot Pasta Recipes and Easy Family Dinners:
If you love creamy slow cooker pasta recipes, there are so many comforting dinners to try next! Crockpot Angel Chicken Pasta is a rich family favorite with a creamy sauce, while Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is packed with cheesy garlic flavor and comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Creamy Chicken Bacon Tomato Pasta, Chicken Garlic Butter Pasta, and Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken are all easy pasta dinners perfect for busy weeknights, while Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta adds a bold, restaurant-inspired twist. These recipes all fit the same creamy chicken-and-pasta comfort food theme.
For more family dinner favorites, Best Homemade Chicken Strips and McDonald’s Copycat Chicken Nuggets are two of our most popular chicken recipes and always a hit with kids. Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is another easy slow cooker meal with sweet and savory flavor, while Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Soup is a creamy comfort food favorite that’s perfect for cooler weather.
Crockpot Italian Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish that is great for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting and filling meal. This Italian Chicken Pasta is made with zesty Italian dressing, chicken, tangy cream cheese, and pasta.
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