Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta

An Easy Dinner That Feels Like a Hug

Slow cooker chicken pasta is one of those magical meals that almost cooks itself while you’re busy living life (or just sneaking in some quiet time).
This slow cooker chicken pasta comes together with pantry staples, takes just minutes to prep, and fills your home with the best cozy smells.
If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dinner with minimal effort, slow cooker chicken pasta is about to become your new weeknight best friend.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

Last winter, we had one of those endless cold snaps — you know the kind where it feels like the sun might never come back?
I was exhausted, the kids were cranky, and my to-do list was a mile long. I needed something comforting but zero effort.
This creamy chicken pasta literally saved my evening — and my sanity.
We ate it curled up on the couch, wrapped in blankets, laughing over nothing. It was the first time all week I really exhaled.

And honestly? Those are the moments that make recipes like this a little bit magic. 🌟

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but so good)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 24 oz jar Marinara Sauce
  • 15 oz jar Alfredo Sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 16 oz pasta (Cellentani, penne, or whatever’s hanging out in your pantry)
  • Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Dried parsley (because a sprinkle of green just makes it feel fancier)

How to Make It:

  1. Spray your crockpot lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Layer in the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  3. Add the garlic, marinara, and Alfredo sauces. No need to stir — just let them cozy up together.
  4. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. (Your house will smell incredible.)
  5. When the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks or cube it if you prefer a heartier texture.
  6. Add mozzarella cheese right into the sauce and give it a gentle stir.
  7. Boil your pasta separately according to package directions, then drain.
  8. Mix pasta into the crockpot. Stir everything together until beautifully creamy.
  9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of dried parsley.

Pair it with some garlic bread, a simple green salad, or just a fork and your appetite.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Freshly shred your mozzarella and Parmesan for the dreamiest melt. Pre-shredded is fine if you’re short on time, though.
  • Add a handful of spinach with the mozzarella if you want a little veggie boost.
  • Use frozen chicken? Yup, it works — just tack on an extra hour or so to cooking time.
  • Shortcut alert: Rotisserie chicken and stovetop simmering are totally acceptable if you’re in a super rush.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Minimal prep — literally five minutes of hands-on work.
  • Affordable ingredients — pantry and freezer staples all the way.
  • Family-approved — even the picky eaters give this two thumbs up.
  • Leftovers? They reheat like a dream, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Life’s busy. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.
Recipes like this one are proof that cozy, homemade meals are still possible, even when you’re running on empty.

Save this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta for your next “I can’t even” day — trust me, future you will be so, so grateful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook chicken pasta bake in a slow cooker?

Absolutely!
While a traditional pasta bake usually crisps up in the oven, you can totally get that creamy, cheesy goodness right in your slow cooker.
The chicken cooks slowly, soaking up all the rich sauces, and stays incredibly juicy — giving you a hearty boost of protein in every bite.
Just remember: in the crockpot, you won’t get a crispy top — but you’ll have rich, melty pasta that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
(If you really miss that baked golden top, you can sprinkle extra cheese on and pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end!)

Can you cook chicken pasta in a slow cooker?

Oh yes, and it’s one of my favorite easy dinners!
The trick is cooking the chicken low and slow in the sauce so it stays juicy and tender.
Then you stir in cooked pasta at the very end — that way the noodles stay perfectly al dente and don’t turn mushy.
It’s almost effortless, but tastes like you spent hours!

How long to cook chicken pasta in a slow cooker?

You’ll want to cook the chicken in sauce on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
The chicken should reach 165°F internally and shred easily with a fork.
After that, it’s just a quick mix with your cooked pasta and a handful of cheese. Dinner = done.

How to cook chicken pasta in a slow cooker?

It’s as simple as:
Layer your chicken into a sprayed crockpot.
Season and sauce it up with marinara, Alfredo, and seasonings.
Slow cook on low until tender.
Shred or cube the chicken, add mozzarella cheese, and stir.
Cook pasta separately, then mix it all together.
Serve with love (and maybe a little extra Parmesan on top, because you deserve it).

Print
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Slow cooker chicken pasta being lifted with a spoon, showing melted cheese and saucy pasta with parsley garnish.

Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Alyssa
  • Total Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta is the ultimate cozy, creamy, and comforting dish. Tender shredded chicken, rich marinara and Alfredo sauces, and melty mozzarella come together for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without the fuss!


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp minced garlic

24 oz jar Marinara Sauce

15 oz jar Alfredo Sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

16 oz pasta (Cellentani, penne, or similar)

Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Dried parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Lightly spray your crockpot with cooking spray.

  • Layer in the chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

  • Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, and Alfredo sauce on top. Do not stir.

  • Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  • Shred the chicken with two forks (or cube if preferred).

  • Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese.

  • Cook the pasta separately according to package instructions; drain.

  • Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and mix everything together until creamy and combined.

  • Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of dried parsley.

Notes

Freshly shredding mozzarella and Parmesan gives the best melty texture.

Add a handful of spinach with the mozzarella for an easy veggie boost.

Frozen chicken breasts can be used; just increase cooking time by about 1 hour.

In a rush? Use rotisserie chicken and simmer everything on the stovetop instead.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Per Serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy crockpot dinner, crockpot chicken alfredo pasta, family friendly dinner

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