This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese. It’s a simple “set-it-and-forget-it” recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish is creamy, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add to Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, and minced garlic until smooth.
Step 5: Combine & Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 5–6 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
About 30–40 minutes before serving, cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken
Remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Step 8: Finish the Dish
Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheese to the slow cooker.
Stir everything together, cover, and cook for another 10–15 minutes until creamy and melted.
Step 9: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Who Is This Recipe For?
- Busy families needing an easy dinner solution
- Beginners who want a simple slow cooker meal
- Anyone craving creamy, cheesy comfort food
- Meal preppers looking for hearty leftovers
Why It’s Great
- ✔ One-pot convenience (minimal cleanup)
- ✔ Rich, creamy, and flavorful
- ✔ Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- ✔ Easy to customize with different cheeses or pasta
- ✔ Perfect balance of protein and carbs
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (5–6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pot (for pasta)
- Forks (for shredding)
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without pasta for texture)
- Reheat: Warm gently with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy
FAQ
Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker?
It’s better cooked separately to avoid mushy texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, they’ll be even juicier and more flavorful.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for stretchiness, Parmesan for flavor—or use both.
How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Conclusion
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta is a no-fail recipe that combines convenience with rich, satisfying flavor. With tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and cheesy pasta, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love.
