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Easy Crockpot Chicken Pasta Dinner

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This easy crockpot chicken pasta dinner is a healthy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With lean chicken, whole grain pasta, and plenty of veggies in a creamy, herby sauce, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 4 oz light cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz whole grain penne or rotini (dry, gluten-free or regular)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional, for stirring in at the end)
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion and pepper, slice the carrot, and mince the garlic. Cube the cream cheese and set aside to soften. Cut the chicken breasts into large chunks.
  2. Layer the crockpot: Place chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix the sauce base: In a small bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese with a few tablespoons of the broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crockpot and gently stir.
  4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours (or high for 2-3 hours), until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temp 165°F).
  5. Shred the chicken: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir.
  6. Add pasta and finish: Stir in the dry pasta. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until pasta is just al dente. (Alternatively, cook pasta separately and stir in at the end.) If the mixture is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, leave the lid off for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Final touches: Stir in grated Parmesan and baby spinach (if using) until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. To avoid mushy pasta, add it only in the last 20-30 minutes and check for doneness. You can swap in different veggies or use gluten-free pasta as needed. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk or Greek yogurt at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, healthy slow cooker dinner, meal prep, creamy chicken pasta, family dinner, easy crockpot recipe, comfort food, whole grain pasta, one pot meal

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