Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to weeknight meals? Look no further! Chicken and pasta are a match made in heaven, and when cooked together in a crockpot, the result is nothing short of magic. With these 20 delicious chicken and pasta crockpot recipes, you’ll never have to settle for boring again.
From creamy garlic parmesan to spicy Cajun alfredo, we’ve got a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and lemony or rich and cheesy, our recipes have got you covered. And the best part? Each one is incredibly easy to make – just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of our favorite chicken and pasta crockpot recipes that are perfect for busy nights. From classic comfort food dishes to international-inspired twists, there’s something for everyone. So grab your crockpot and get ready to cook up a storm! In the next section, we’ll dive into recipe number one: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
This comforting and flavorful dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich creamy sauce infused with garlic and parmesan cheese.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fettuccine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this spicy twist on the classic Alfredo dish! Tender chicken, rich sauce, and a kick of heat come together in a mouthwatering fusion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and stir to combine.
6. Combine cooked pasta and chicken mixture; toss to coat. If desired, add red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
A creamy, comforting pasta bake that combines the flavors of chicken, broccoli, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Pasta
Brighten up your dinner routine with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines the zest of lemon, the brightness of herbs, and the comfort of creamy pasta. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta and chicken mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
This recipe combines the classic flavors of fettuccine alfredo with the convenience of a slow cooker. Rich and creamy, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions:
1. Place chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and basil in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add fettuccine pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in frozen peas and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
A creamy macaroni and cheese dish gets a spicy kick from buffalo chicken, making for a unique and delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup buffalo chicken sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Add buffalo chicken sauce and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Tomato Basil Chicken and Penne Pasta
This classic Italian dish combines juicy chicken, tender penne pasta, and a vibrant tomato sauce infused with sweet basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes), diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer sauce for 10-12 minutes or until thickened slightly.
7. Serve cooked pasta with chicken and tomato sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole
A comforting casserole that combines the flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing with a delicious pasta base. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or bow tie)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. Stir until well combined.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until coated with the chicken-bacon-ranch mixture.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Creamy spinach artichoke sauce coats tender chicken and pasta in this satisfying one-pot dish.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce.
6. Combine cooked pasta and chicken mixture. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini
This slow cooker recipe elevates the classic chicken tetrazzini to new heights, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta in a deliciously easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and add the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and white wine (if using).
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
5. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked pasta.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Pesto Chicken and Bowtie Pasta
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pesto, chicken, and bowtie pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz bowtie pasta
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and pesto sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and pesto mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
This hearty pasta dish combines sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce with egg noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup egg noodles
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add flour to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken mixture.
4. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the Stroganoff sauce over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Farfalle
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this simple yet satisfying recipe. This dish combines juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and al dente farfalle pasta in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz farfalle pasta
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine cooked farfalle, chicken mixture, and mixed greens. Toss to coat.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Pasta
Transform a weeknight dinner into a hearty and flavorful meal with this slow cooker chicken cacciatore pasta recipe. Tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta come together in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (bell, Anaheim, and jalapeño)
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package instructions.
4. Stir in cooked pasta with the slow cooker mixture.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Chicken and Zucchini Noodle Alfredo
This creamy pasta dish combines the flavors of chicken, zucchini, and Parmesan cheese with a light and airy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 8 oz fettuccine noodles
– 1/4 cup butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, zucchini, and garlic in butter until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine cooked noodles with the chicken and sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken and Rice Noodles
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of peanut sauce with the spiciness of Thai chilies, served over a bed of rice noodles. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Thai red curry paste
– 8 oz rice noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, and curry paste. Stir until smooth.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve over rice noodles and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Chicken and Tortellini Soup Pasta
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup pasta recipe that combines the richness of chicken broth, tender tortellini, and savory chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tortellini (cheese-filled)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add the tortellini, cooked chicken, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Primavera Pasta
Experience a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes with this slow cooker recipe that combines the flavors of spring with tender chicken and al dente noodles. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup primavera sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., bowtie, penne, or fusilli)
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, and corn)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add primavera sauce, pasta, and mixed frozen vegetables on top of the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Chicken and Pesto Tortellini Bake
A creamy and flavorful casserole that combines the best of Italian flavors with the comfort of a baked pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 12 oz tortellini (cheese-filled)
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini, pesto sauce, and chicken. Toss to coat.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the tortellini mixture in the bottom. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken and Shell Pasta
Savor the rich flavors of garlic butter sauce paired with juicy chicken and tender shell pasta in this comforting, one-pot meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz shell pasta
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the pan and toss with garlic butter sauce.
6. Combine cooked pasta with chicken mixture and top with Parmesan cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Looking for a quick and delicious meal solution? Try these 20 mouth-watering chicken and pasta crockpot recipes perfect for busy nights! From creamy garlic parmesan to spicy Cajun, cheesy broccoli, lemony herbs, and more, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or an international twist, these slow-cooked meals are sure to satisfy your cravings.
