Slow cookers are culinary superheroes, transforming everyday ingredients into comforting, flavorful meals with minimal effort. And when it comes to pasta, the slow cooker offers a unique advantage: perfectly tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce that coats every strand. Forget about meticulously timing pasta and worrying about sauce separation – these slow cooker chicken pasta dishes are designed for effortless deliciousness. This guide explores various recipes and addresses common questions, making your next meal planning a breeze.
What are some easy slow cooker chicken pasta recipes?
The beauty of slow cooker chicken pasta is its adaptability. You can easily customize recipes based on your preferred flavors and available ingredients. Here are a few foundational recipes to inspire your culinary creativity:
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This classic combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich creamy sauce. The slow cooker ensures the chicken is incredibly juicy and the pasta perfectly cooked.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Cook for another 15 minutes on low, or until spinach is wilted.
- Stir in cooked pasta (cook pasta according to package directions before adding) and serve.
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A comforting classic made unbelievably easy with your slow cooker. This recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta.
Ingredients:
- Similar to the Tuscan recipe, but substitute the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach with 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Instructions:
Follow the instructions for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, substituting the ingredients as noted above. You may want to add the Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming overly stringy.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
A lighter, healthier option, perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe uses less cream and incorporates nutritious broccoli.
Ingredients:
- Similar to the Tuscan recipe, replace sun-dried tomatoes with 2 cups of broccoli florets. Reduce heavy cream to 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup of milk for a lighter sauce.
Instructions:
Follow the instructions for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, substituting the ingredients as noted above. Add the broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Can you put uncooked pasta in a slow cooker?
No, you should not put uncooked pasta directly into a slow cooker. Pasta requires a specific cooking time and temperature to achieve the desired texture. Slow cookers don't provide the consistent, high heat needed to cook pasta properly; it will likely become mushy and overcooked. Always cook pasta separately according to package directions, then add it to the slow cooker during the final stages of cooking.
How long does it take to cook chicken pasta in a slow cooker?
Cooking time varies depending on your slow cooker and whether you're using low or high settings. Generally, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remember to add the pre-cooked pasta during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time to heat it through and prevent it from becoming overcooked.
What kind of pasta works best in a slow cooker?
Sturdier pasta shapes like penne, rotini, farfalle, or shells tend to hold their shape better in a slow cooker's moist environment compared to delicate pasta like angel hair. Avoid pasta that's overly thin or easily breaks apart.
Is slow cooker chicken pasta healthy?
Slow cooker chicken pasta can be a healthy meal, especially when you use lean chicken breast and load up on vegetables. You can control the amount of cream and cheese used to adjust the fat content. Consider adding more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for extra nutrients.
By following these tips and exploring the versatile recipes, you can enjoy delicious and easy slow cooker chicken pasta dishes any night of the week. Remember to always prioritize food safety and cook your chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
