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The Ultimate Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

The Ultimate Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Pasta
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The Ultimate Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, easy, and comforting slow-cooked meal combining tender chicken, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, it delivers rich flavors and minimal cleanup, perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs), raw

Pasta

  • 12 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta

Cheeses

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place raw chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor from the start.
  2. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour chicken broth carefully over the seasoned chicken. Then, add the uncooked pasta on top, allowing it to cook and absorb the broth as it simmers.
  3. Layer the Cheeses: Evenly dollop softened cream cheese over the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a rich, melted sauce during cooking.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and set your crockpot to low. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the pasta is tender but not mushy. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to maintain consistent heat.
  5. Stir and Serve: Gently stir the mixture to fully combine the melted cheeses with the chicken and pasta, creating a luscious and cohesive dish ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Choose thicker pasta shapes like penne or rotini to prevent mushiness during slow cooking.
  • Check chicken doneness at around 3 hours to avoid overcooking and dryness.
  • Add shredded cheese last or towards the end for a creamier, melty texture.
  • Use full-fat cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
  • Reserve extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Vegetables can be added: hearty ones at the start, delicate greens like spinach in the last 30 minutes.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, cheesy chicken pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, creamy pasta, one pot, family friendly

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/the-ultimate-crockpot-cheesy-chicken-pasta/