Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious meal that combines the comforting flavors of creamy chicken and pasta with a hint of sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, cooking it in a slow cooker makes it virtually hands-free!
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz reduced fat cream cheese (1 block)
- 1/2 cup half & half
- 3 oz sundried tomatoes (diced)
- 1/3 cup parmesan
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced, about 5-6 cloves)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the diced sundried tomatoes to the seasoned broth and stir.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is done (165°F and shreds easily).
- Once cooked, take the chicken out of the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot with all those flavorful juices.
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crockpot along with the half & half.
- Stir gently to combine, then cover and cook on low for another 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- While the sauce is warming, cook your chickpea pasta according to the package instructions. Cook it for 1 minute less than directed for perfect al dente pasta.
- Drain the pasta, then add it directly to the crockpot with the chicken and creamy sauce.
- Add the parmesan cheese and mix everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta as a main dish for dinner. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. This dish is also great for leftovers, so feel free to make a big batch!
How to Store Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze the pasta for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. You can add more garlic or herbs if you like.
- If you want a little extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute chickpea pasta with any pasta of your choice, but remember to adjust cooking times according to the type of pasta.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the crockpot for added nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a delightful twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace the cream cheese and half & half with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Make sure to use gluten-free pasta instead of chickpea pasta, and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the diced sundried tomatoes to the seasoned broth and stir.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is done (165°F and shreds easily).
- Once cooked, take the chicken out of the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot with all those flavorful juices.
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crockpot along with the half & half.
- Stir gently to combine, then cover and cook on low for another 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- While the sauce is warming, cook your chickpea pasta according to the package instructions, cooking for 1 minute less than directed for perfect al dente pasta.
- Drain the pasta, then add it directly to the crockpot with the chicken and creamy sauce.
- Add the parmesan cheese and mix everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil if desired.