Welcome to our cozy kitchen corner! Today, we are thrilled to share a delightful recipe for Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, a zesty Italian dressing, and creamy, comforting pasta for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe is Great
This Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it ideal for busy families, working professionals, and anyone who loves a good set-it-and-forget-it recipe. The combination of zesty Italian dressing and creamy sauce gives this dish a unique and delicious flavor that everyone will love.
Print
Simple Crockpot Recipe for Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 5-6 hours 30 minutes (low) or 3 hours 30 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 envelope (0.6 oz) Zesty Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 16 oz bow tie noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker liner. Poke each breast with a fork 3 to 4 times to help them absorb the flavors.
- Season and Add Liquids: Sprinkle the zesty Italian dressing mix over the chicken breasts. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Prep the Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, place your cream cheese on the counter to bring it to room temperature. This helps it melt more evenly into the broth and cream.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is finishing, cook your pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the cream cheese to the broth mixture and cover for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and mix well to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes when adding the Italian dressing mix.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth to ½ cup.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Italian dressing mix and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Crockpot Italian Chicken, slow cooker chicken pasta, zesty Italian chicken pasta, easy crockpot recipes, creamy chicken pasta
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Forks (for poking and shredding the chicken)
- Medium pot (for cooking pasta)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips and Shortcuts
- Pre-Prep Ingredients: Pre-measure and prep your ingredients the night before to make your morning even easier.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a real pinch, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken and add it in the last hour of cooking to save time.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese along with the cream cheese for an extra cheesy version.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pairings
This Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and garlic bread. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors of the dish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before shredding.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free condensed soup.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you prefer or have on hand. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well.
Q: Can I add other seasonings? A: Yes, you can customize the seasoning to your taste. Adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder can enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken and a creamy, zesty sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips!
Happy cooking!