Easy Crockpot Italian Chicken and Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors in this easy and delicious Crockpot Italian chicken and pasta recipe. It’s made with tender chicken breasts, aromatic Italian seasoning, a rich red wine tomato sauce, and fresh spinach.

I’m excited to share a recipe that’s sure to become a new staple in your dinner rotation: Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta.

This dish is a true game-changer, especially for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of juicy, shredded chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, infused with just the right amount of Italian seasoning. It’s a comforting meal that satisfies even a picky eater.

This kid-approved meal is not only packed with so much flavor, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot, let it work its magic, and voilà - the sauce and juicy chicken are ready!

Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or feeding a lot of people at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• Boneless Chicken Breasts
• Italian Seasoning
• Olive Oil
• Penne Pasta
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes
• Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth
• Red Wine
• Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
• Chopped Fresh or Frozen Spinach
• Shredded or Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black Pepper

How to Make Crock Pot Italian Chicken and Pasta

• Season the raw chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
• Add olive oil to a large skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
• Place cooked chicken in the crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red wine, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
• Set the slow cooker to high heat for 3 hours.

• Once done, shred the chicken with a fork or hand mixer. Add spinach, yogurt, and Parmesan to the crockpot and cook for 10 minutes.
• Cook penne in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and add to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Variations

No Greek yogurt or sour cream? Mix together 4 ounces of cream cheese and a few tablespoons of heavy cream to get the same consistency. Another creamy option is ricotta cheese.

Sauté mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes sliced in half, or onions, and add them to the slow cooker when you add the yogurt/sour cream to the pot.

Add a little kick to the chicken or tomato sauce with crushed red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes for Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice that goes well with almost any pasta dish.
• Side Salad with Italian Dressing: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, roasted with olive oil and herbs.
• Tomato Basil Bruschetta: Slices of toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
• Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and grilled to add a smoky flavor.
• Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
• Bread Sticks: These garlic-buttery breadsticks are an Olive Garden copycat recipe and the perfect addition to any Italian pasta dish.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover crockpot chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheating Chicken Spinach Pasta can be done using a few methods to ensure it remains tasty and doesn’t dry out. Here are some effective ways to reheat your pasta:

Tips for Reheating

• Stirring frequently: This ensures even heating and prevents hot spots, especially when using the microwave.
• Adding moisture: A little bit of liquid can go a long way in preventing the pasta from becoming dry and unappetizing.
• Covering the dish: Helps trap steam and keeps the pasta moist.

On the Stove

• Step 1: Place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan.
• Step 2: Add a splash of water, broth, or a bit of extra sauce to prevent it from drying out.
• Step 3: Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through.
• Step 4: If necessary, add more liquid during the reheating process to maintain the pasta’s moisture.

In the Microwave

• Step 1: Place a portion of the pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
• Step 2: Add a small amount of water, broth, or extra sauce and stir to distribute the moisture.
• Step 3: Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a corner open for steam to escape.
• Step 4: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
• Step 5: Continue heating in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until the pasta is thoroughly heated.

In the Oven

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Step 2: Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Step 3: If the pasta seems dry, add a little water, broth, or extra sauce before covering.
• Step 4: Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Step 5: For a slightly crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Recommended Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini
• Air Fryer Olive Garden Chicken Kabobs
• Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
• Chicken Noodle Casserole
• Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
• Crock Pot Chicken Marsala
• Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Sauce Copycat
• One-Pan Baked Chicken Parmesan and Penne
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
• Slow Cooker Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken