Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Short Description:
A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, tangy marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta, all simmered to perfection in a crock pot. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes optional
- 3 cups pasta fusilli, penne, or rigatoni
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add to Crock Pot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Layer on the Flavor: Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, then add them to the crock pot along with the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
- Cook on Low: Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks, and stir to combine.
- Add Pasta: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the pasta directly into the crock pot, ensuring it's submerged in the sauce.
- Finish Up: Once the pasta is tender, give everything a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
Additional Notes:
For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or a few sun-dried tomatoes.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
You can use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
You can use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.