Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. Tender chicken simmers in a flavorful sauce and combines with pasta for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 3 pieces)
• 1 envelope (0.6 oz.) Zesty Italian dressing mix
• 2 cans (10.5 oz. each) condensed cream of chicken soup
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 box (16 oz.) cooked pasta (bow ties recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker liner.
2. Step 2: Poke each chicken breast with a fork 3 to 4 times to help the flavors penetrate.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the Zesty Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth around the chicken.
5. Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Step 6: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, remove the cream cheese from the fridge to bring it to room temperature for easier melting.
7. Step 7: Cook the pasta according to package instructions while the chicken finishes cooking.
8. Step 8: When the chicken is cooked through, shred it inside the slow cooker using two forks.
9. Step 9: Add the room temperature cream cheese to the slow cooker, cover, and let it melt into the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes.
10. Step 10: Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Bringing the cream cheese to room temperature before adding helps it melt smoothly and evenly into the sauce.
• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
• Substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
• Try different pasta shapes like penne or rotini to vary the dish’s texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy sauce texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase cooking time and verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Bow tie pasta is recommended for its shape and texture, but penne, rotini, or shells will also hold the sauce nicely.

Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

This Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in zesty Italian dressing and cream of chicken soup, combined with cream cheese for a rich sauce that coats perfectly cooked bow tie pasta. It’s an easy, hands-off slow cooker meal perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Sauce

• 2 pounds (about 3) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 envelope (0.6 oz.) Zesty Italian dressing mix
• 2 cans (10.5 oz. each) condensed cream of chicken soup
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, room temperature

Pasta

• 1 box (16 oz.) cooked pasta (bow tie pasta recommended)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker liner and poke each breast 3 to 4 times with a fork to allow the flavors to penetrate better.
2. Add seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle the Zesty Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
3. Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook for 3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Prepare cream cheese and pasta: About 30 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, set the cream cheese out to come to room temperature for easier melting. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
5. Shred the chicken: When the chicken is fully cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
6. Melt the cream cheese: Add the room temperature cream cheese to the slow cooker, stir gently, then cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken sauce.
8. Serve: Serve the Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta immediately for best flavor and enjoy!

Notes

• Bringing the cream cheese to room temperature before adding helps it melt more smoothly and evenly throughout the sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Bow tie pasta is recommended for its shape, but any favorite pasta can be used.
• This recipe can be prepared on low for a longer cooking time or high for a shorter time based on your schedule.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Italian chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Zesty Italian dressing recipe, crockpot chicken, easy slow cooker dinner