Name: Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483900H33M33S
Total time: PT-483900H33M33S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 packet Italian seasoning mix; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (25 ounces) marinara sauce; 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 pound penne pasta

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There’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into the slow cooker and coming back hours later to a meal that smells absolutely incredible. This Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat—it’s creamy, cheesy, packed with Italian flavors, and so easy to make! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-go – Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work
Super versatile – Serve it over pasta, with garlic bread, or even as a casserole
Family-approved – The perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors
Great for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week

Ingredients

You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients for this dish. Here’s a sneak peek:

Chicken breasts
Italian seasoning
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Penne pasta

Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and minced garlic over the chicken, then pour in the marinara sauce. Stir everything to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. It should be super tender and easy to pull apart.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until they melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine

Cook the penne pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and stir it into the crockpot until well coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve the Italian chicken pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or an extra ounce of cream cheese.
Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or extra garlic.
Want a thicker consistency? Let the crockpot sit uncovered for 15 minutes after cooking to reduce some of the liquid.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the protein – Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Make it dairy-free – Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Try different pasta – Rotini, rigatoni, or spaghetti work great instead of penne.
Add more veggies – Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be delicious additions.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Italian Chicken Pasta is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

With garlic bread for an extra comforting meal
Sprinkled with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor
Paired with a simple side salad to balance the richness
Served as a baked pasta casserole by topping with mozzarella and baking until bubbly

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then quick release, shred the chicken, and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan.

What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

If you don’t have marinara sauce, use crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning or a mix of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.

How do I make it spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to amp up the heat.

Conclusion

Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is one of those foolproof recipes that never disappoints. It’s creamy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you serve it with garlic bread, as a baked casserole, or straight from the crockpot with a fork (no judgment!), it’s sure to be a family favorite. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll end up in your meal rotation!

Easy Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual weekend dinners. Serve it over pasta, with garlic bread, or even as a casserole.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet Italian seasoning mix
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (25 ounces) marinara sauce
1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound penne pasta

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Instructions

Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning mix and minced garlic over the chicken, then pour in the marinara sauce. Stir everything to combine.
Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until they melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Cook the Pasta and Combine: Cook the penne pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and stir it into the crockpot until well coated with the sauce.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Italian chicken pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or an extra ounce of cream cheese.
Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or extra garlic.
For a thicker consistency, let the crockpot sit uncovered for 15 minutes after cooking to reduce some of the liquid.