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Thank you so much for stopping by today! As I sit here sipping my morning coffee, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share another heartwarming recipe with all of you. It’s you, my wonderful readers, who inspire me to keep exploring and sharing the comfort that food can bring into our lives. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a recipe that epitomizes comfort and ease: Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta.
This dish is a perfect example of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, ideal for those busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you at home. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you can transform simple ingredients into a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For this hearty dish, you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: 2 large, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons, for that herby touch
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of warmth
- Chicken broth: 1 cup, as the cooking liquid
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, cut into pieces, for creaminess
- Sundried tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped
- Spinach: 2 cups, fresh
- Penne pasta: 8 oz, uncooked
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated, for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Place them at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add liquids and cook: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Add cream cheese and tomatoes: Once the chicken is cooked and tender, add the cream cheese and sundried tomatoes. Stir until the cream cheese is well incorporated.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Cook the pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked pasta and fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Final touches: Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta: To keep the pasta from becoming mushy, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Thicken the sauce if needed: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by adding a mixture of cornstarch and water.
Substitutions/Variations
- Meat alternatives: Swap chicken for turkey breasts or even chunks of pork for a different flavor.
- Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based cream cheese and chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegan version.
- Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or a smoked gouda for a different taste profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the initial cooking time by an hour if cooking on low.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
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Thank you again for joining me in this culinary adventure! I hope this Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta brings as much warmth and satisfaction to your table as it does to mine. Remember, cooking is not just about feeding the body but also comforting the soul. Dive in, and let’s make something delicious together!
Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta: Comfort in a Bowl!
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Join me, Emma, as I guide you through creating a sumptuous Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta that promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This dish is the epitome of easy comfort food—perfect for those busy days when you crave a hearty meal without the fuss. Get ready to delight in tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that comes together magically in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into pieces
- ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Cover and set to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Add the cream cheese and sundried tomatoes to the slow cooker after the chicken is cooked. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
- Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and then return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and fresh spinach about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir into the pasta before serving.
- The pasta can be added later if you prefer it al dente.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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