Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta

This slow cooker creamy chicken pasta is perfect for busy home cooks who want a comforting meal with minimal effort. It brings together tender chicken and silky noodles cooked right in the slow cooker so you can set it and forget it. Expect rich creamy flavors with a touch of fresh herbs that make this dish satisfying any night of the week.

I threw this together on a hectic weekend and it quickly became a favorite because of how simple it is to get dinner on the table without running around the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into cubes for quick and even cooking
• Low sodium chicken broth: adds savory moisture without overpowering the creaminess
• Heavy cream: enriches the sauce giving it that velvety texture you want in creamy pasta
• Butter: enhances flavor and helps meld the ingredients together smoothly
• Thinly sliced yellow onions: bring subtle sweetness once cooked down
• Thinly sliced carrots: add a gentle earthiness and a bit of natural texture
• Fresh diced tomatoes: provide brightness and a slight acidity that balances the richness
• Italian seasoning: brings warmth and a blend of herbs that complement chicken beautifully
• Garlic powder and dried thyme: add layers of savory depth without fussing with fresh herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: adjust seasoning to taste rounding everything out
• Egg noodles: are classic pasta choice here because they cook perfectly in the slow cooker and soak up the creamy sauce
• Grated parmesan cheese: adds a salty umami finish to the dish
• Fresh parsley for garnish: gives a pop of color and freshness on top

Instructions

Build The Base:

Add the chicken cubes to your slow cooker along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. The broth keeps the chicken moist while the cream will thicken during cooking creating that luscious texture.

Add Aromatics and Veggies:

Toss in the softened butter, thinly sliced onions, carrot rounds, and the diced fresh tomatoes. These ingredients develop flavor as they cook slowly and meld together creating a rich and hearty base.

Season Thoughtfully:

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning garlic powder dried thyme salt and freshly ground black pepper over everything. Stir gently to combine the flavors well without breaking up the chicken pieces.

Slow Cook:

Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 and a half hours or LOW for 4 hours. The slower longer cooking on LOW tenderizes the chicken perfectly while letting the flavors deepen and the sauce bubble gently.

Add Pasta and Cheese:

Stir in the egg noodles and grated parmesan cheese. Cover again and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the creamy sauce.

Final Taste and Serve:

Give everything a gentle stir and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm in individual bowls garnished with chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.

I love how the fresh parsley right at the end brings a lively contrast to the richness of the dish. This recipe reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone is relaxed and focused on savoring the food rather than fussing over it.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. Pasta can absorb the sauce over time so loosening it up keeps the texture enjoyable.

Ingredient Swaps

Try swapping the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result. You can use half and half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness or opt for gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs without losing any flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also complement the creamy sauce perfectly soaking up every last bite.

This creamy chicken pasta is a set-and-forget meal that delivers rich flavor and comforting textures. It’s perfect for busy nights and leaves everyone satisfied.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out during slow cooking?

Cooking the chicken in the low sodium broth and heavy cream helps keep it moist. Also, slow cooking on LOW for 4 hours allows gentle heat that retains juiciness.

→ Can I substitute egg noodles with another type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, but adjust the cooking time as different pastas absorb liquid differently.

→ What can I use if I don't have Italian seasoning?

A mix of dried basil, oregano, and rosemary can be combined as a suitable alternative to Italian seasoning.

→ When should I add the Parmesan cheese for best flavor?

Stir Parmesan cheese in after the noodles are cooked so it melts evenly, enriching the sauce with its creamy, savory notes.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead and reheated?

Yes, it stores well and reheats nicely. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stove or microwave before serving.