Are you ready to indulge in a dish that’s not only creamy and comforting but also incredibly easy to make? Introducing the Creamy Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta—a delightful recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast! With just 15 minutes of prep and 4 hours of slow cooking, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Imagine tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all mingling together in one pot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to effortless Italian comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 jar of Alfredo sauce, 8 ounces of penne pasta, 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- In a large crockpot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
- Pour the jar of Alfredo sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. This will help keep the chicken moist and add creaminess to the dish.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking will allow the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. This will allow them to steam and become tender without losing their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the Alfredo sauce and broccoli.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the crockpot and gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture and stir gently to incorporate. Allow the dish to sit for an additional 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt and blend into the sauce.
- Serve the creamy crockpot Italian chicken pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can season the chicken breasts and combine them with the Alfredo sauce the night before. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are added during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Pasta Perfection: For the best texture, cook the penne pasta al dente. It will continue to absorb sauce in the crockpot, so you want it slightly firm before mixing it in.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Don’t hold back on the Parmesan! You can add more cheese both during cooking and as a garnish for an extra cheesy experience.
- Leftover Magic: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess.
- Make It a Meal: Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad to create a complete Italian-inspired meal that’s sure to please!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 498kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 48g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 122mg
