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Creamy crockpot Italian chicken pasta with penne in tomato cream sauce

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Shredded chicken in a creamy tomato and Italian herb sauce, tossed with penne. A dump-and-go weeknight dinner that tastes like far more effort than it is.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (680g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
  • 28 oz diced tomatoes, undrained (794g) one can
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (33g) microwaved 60 seconds first
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), cubed full fat
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning (4g)
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (1g) optional
  • 1 tsp salt (6g)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper (1g)
  • 12 oz penne pasta (340g) cooked separately
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (45g) for serving
  • fresh basil leaves for serving

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Large pot for pasta

Method
 

  1. Place the tomato paste in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 60 seconds. This removes the raw tinny flavor and makes the sauce taste richer.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, the warmed tomato paste, cubed cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours (or HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours), until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily.
  4. Shred the chicken in the pot with two forks. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Cook the penne until just al dente, drain, and toss it into the slow cooker until coated. Serve topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Use short sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Never cook the pasta in the slow cooker. Full-fat cream cheese melts smoothest. Leftovers keep 4 days in the fridge and freeze well for up to 2 months. Estimated nutrition: about 640 calories per serving.