There’s something comforting about Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot the way the warm, savory scent moves through the house and calls everyone to the table. It feels like a hug in a bowl, the kind of dish that turns a busy evening into a cozy family moment. Whether you’re making dinner for two or feeding a crowd, this recipe is forgiving, forgiving in the best way: it asks for simple steps and gives back a rich, homey meal.

If you enjoy creamy, fuss-free meals, you might recognize some familiar flavors from other favorites, like my version of creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, which pairs beautifully with the slow-cooked, tender results you get from a crockpot. This dish is a great one to keep in your weeknight rotation because it frees you up while building deep flavor over time.

Why You’ll Love Making This Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot
This recipe is the kind of meal that fits into real life. It starts with pantry staples, asks for a little patience, and hands you generous, reliable comfort at the end of the day. The chicken becomes tender enough to shred without fuss. The sauce stays smooth and rich. The pasta finishes with a creamy coating that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.

Here is why it will quickly become a favorite:

• Minimal hands-on time. Prep is short, which makes this recipe perfect for busy days.
• Friendly ingredients. You don’t need special shopping trips; most items are staples.
• Versatile for families. You can add more veggies or more cheese based on what your household prefers.
• Great for make-ahead. It stores and reheats well, which is perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot

“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”

Before we dig into the ingredients, here’s a short game plan. We’ll layer the chicken and creamy sauce in the crockpot, let them slow-cook until the chicken is tender, then shred and combine it with pasta and cheese. The result is creamy, comforting pasta with a gentle, savory flavor that comes together with reassuring ease.

If you want ideas for different slow-cooker approaches or a slightly different spice profile, check out this helpful guide on a similar slow cooker version of garlic parmesan chicken pasta for inspiration: the best crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (use penne or rotini for best texture) (short pasta holds sauce well)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trim excess fat for even cooking)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (provides a smooth base for the sauce)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium if you prefer more control over salt)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced, for a fresher hit)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season throughout, then adjust at the end)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or mozzarella both work) (adds richness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) (fresh herbs brighten the dish)

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay them flat so the heat reaches them evenly.
   • Make sure your crockpot insert is clean and dry before you start.
   • If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness or cut them in half horizontally so they cook consistently.
2. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, making sure to coat the chicken.
   • Spoon the soup around and over the chicken rather than dumping it in one place.
   • Pour the chicken broth slowly to avoid splashes and to keep the seasoning evenly distributed.
3. Stir to combine the ingredients gently.
   • Use a spoon to bring the soup and broth together so the seasonings dissolve into the sauce.
   • You do not need to submerge the chicken completely; the crockpot’s steady heat does the work for you.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check tenderness by shredding the chicken with two forks after 6 hours on low.
   • You want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F, but more than that, you want the meat to be fork-tender.
   • If it’s not shredding easily at the shorter time point, give it a bit longer. Slow cooking is forgiving.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions, keeping it slightly underdone.
   • Cooking pasta just shy of al dente gives it time to finish absorbing the sauce in the crockpot.
   • Reserve a small cup of pasta water if you like a looser sauce; it can help thin things without losing flavor.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the crockpot.
   • Use two forks or a pair of tongs to pull the chicken apart right in the sauce. This lets the chicken soak up even more flavor.
   • Stir the shredded meat into the sauce so every bite is juicy and seasoned.
7. Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese, allowing it to warm through.
   • Fold the pasta gently to coat it well; if the sauce thickened while cooking, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or extra broth.
   • If you like it extra creamy, stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream at this point for extra silkiness.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
   • A sprinkle of parsley adds color and a fresh, herbal lift.
   • Taste once more and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot and Make It Shine

Presentation is simple and satisfying. Scoop the pasta into shallow bowls so the sauce shows, and add a small handful of finely chopped parsley for color. A crack of black pepper across the top gives it a slightly rustic look.

Pairings that work well:

• A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans add texture and freshness.
• Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every creamy bite.

If you are serving this to guests, set a small dish of grated cheese and a lemon wedge on the table so each person can personalize their plate. Little touches like that make a simple dinner feel thoughtful and complete.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot for Later

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this dish. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

To reheat from the fridge:

• Transfer a portion to a saucepan and warm gently over low to medium heat, stirring often.
• Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth if the sauce has tightened up while cold.

To reheat from frozen:

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then reheat gently as above.
• If reheating directly from frozen, do it in a saucepan over low heat and allow extra time. Add liquid as needed and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Clara’s Tips for Success

1. Use even-sized chicken pieces. If your breasts are uneven, halve or pound them for consistent cooking. This avoids overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce. It finishes cooking in the warm sauce and avoids a gluey texture.
3. Taste and adjust at the end. Crockpot cooking can reduce or concentrate flavors. Taste the finished dish and add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if it needs brightening.
4. Add vegetables at the right time. Soft veggies like mushrooms can be added at the start. Quick-cooking veggies such as peas or spinach should be stirred in at the end so they stay bright and slightly crisp.

Simple Variations to Try

• Cheesy Spinach Version: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach and an extra half cup of shredded mozzarella to make a green, cheesy twist.
• Tomato Basil: Substitute half the chicken broth with a can of diced tomatoes and add fresh basil at the end for a lighter, slightly tangy flavor.
• Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: For a homier spin, add diced carrots and peas and a splash of milk, making it feel like chicken pot pie pasta in a bowl.
• Cream Cheese Boost: For the richest texture, add 4 ounces of cream cheese during step 7 and stir until smooth and glossy.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot

A comforting, creamy chicken pasta dish cooked in a crockpot, perfect for busy weeknights and made with pantry staples.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked pasta, such as penne or rotini Short pasta holds sauce well.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Trim excess fat for even cooking.
• 1 can cream of chicken soup Provides a smooth base for the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth Use low sodium for more control over salt.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced, for a fresher hit.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt and pepper to taste Season throughout, then adjust at the end.
• 1 cup shredded cheese Optional, cheddar or mozzarella both work.
• Fresh parsley for garnish Optional, fresh herbs brighten the dish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot flat for even cooking.
2. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring to coat the chicken.
3. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.

Cooking

1. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, checking tenderness by shredding the chicken.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions, keeping it slightly underdone.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the crockpot and stir it into the sauce.
4. Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese, allowing it to warm through.

Serving

1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, allow to cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

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FAQs About Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot

A few troubleshooting notes:

• If your sauce is thin: simmer the sauce for a bit with the crockpot lid off if you can, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.
• If your sauce is too thick: thin it with reserved pasta water, broth, or a splash of milk.
• If the dish seems bland: fresh herbs, lemon juice, or grated cheese can perk it up quickly.

Why This Recipe Works
Slow, even heat allows flavors to develop over time. The cream of chicken soup provides a silky backbone that keeps the chicken moist and acts as a forgiving base to build on. Cooking the pasta separately keeps its texture lively and prevents it from turning mushy in the crockpot. These thoughtful steps mean you get a consistent, pleasing result even if you are new to slow cooking.

Small technical tips from Clara’s kitchen:

• Use the low setting when you have time. Low heat produces the gentlest texture.
• If your crockpot runs hot, check the chicken a little earlier. Every slow cooker has its own personality.
• Stir gently when mixing pasta into the sauce. Vigorous stirring can break pasta shapes and make the texture less appealing.

Shopping and prep checklist

• One box of pasta: choose a shape you enjoy and that holds sauce.
• One pound chicken breasts: look for even-sized pieces.
• One can cream of chicken soup and one cup chicken broth: keep these at hand.
• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: measure out in small ramekins for easy use.
• Shredded cheese and parsley: pick your favorite cheese and a fresh bunch of parsley.
• Optional extras: cream cheese, frozen peas, spinach, or a lemon.

Meal planning ideas

• Cook a double batch and freeze half for busy nights.
• Serve with a simple green salad and use leftover dressing as a quick marinade for next day’s lunch.
• Use the shredded chicken in wraps with a spoonful of the sauce for a quick next-day meal.

Clara’s final practical tricks

• If you are short on time, cook the chicken in a pot of boiling broth for 20 minutes, shred, then mix with warmed cream soup and cooked pasta on the stove for a quick stovetop version.
• For an herbier flavor, stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley and basil right before serving.
• To keep a crowd happy, keep extra cooked pasta on the side and let people add more if they want.

Conclusion

You’ve just walked through a dependable, friendly recipe for Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot that brings real comfort with very little stress. If you enjoy recipes that are both relaxed and satisfying, you may also like this take on Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta – Cooking in the Midwest, which shares similar simple techniques and flavor ideas. For another slow-cooker spin on creamy chicken pasta, see Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta | Lemons & Zest for extra inspiration.

I hope this Creamy Chicken Pasta Crockpot helps you discover how simple and rewarding homemade cooking can be. You’ve got this.