Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta with Cheese
This comforting one-pot pasta dish combines tender shredded chicken breast with a rich, creamy sauce made from Italian dressing, cream of chicken soup, and two types of cheese. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The Italian dressing adds a zesty flavor base while the cream cheese and parmesan create an indulgent, velvety sauce that coats every piece of rotini pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 16 oz Italian dressingranch dressing1:1
Creates a different flavor profile
- 10 ½ oz cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- salt and pepper, to taste(optional)
- 10 oz rotini pastapenne or rigatoni1:1
Works well with other short pasta shapes
Instructions
- 1
Add chicken breast, Italian dressing, cream of chicken soup, cubed cream cheese, and grated parmesan to slow cooker
- 2
Season with salt and pepper to taste
- 3
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through
- 4
Shred the cooked chicken in the slow cooker
- 5
Cook pasta according to package directions and drain
- 6
Pour drained pasta into slow cooker and mix well with creamy chicken
- 7
Spoon out to serve
Tips
Cube the cream cheese before adding to help it melt more evenly in the slow cooker
Don't overcook the pasta since it will continue to absorb liquid when mixed with the chicken sauce
Good to Know
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container
Can be made up to 2 days ahead, reheat gently with splash of milk if needed
Serve hot directly from slow cooker, garnish with extra parmesan if desired
Common Mistakes
Don't add pasta to slow cooker during cooking time to avoid mushy texture
Substitutions
Works well with other short pasta shapes
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, add 1-2 hours to cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or pasta cooking water to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add liquid if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.