Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further! This crockpot chicken and pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a healthy and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your delicious homemade meal. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and easy recipes, providing a satisfying and healthy option.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or rotini)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sauce: Pour the diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Add pasta: Stir the uncooked pasta into the slow cooker sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce. If desired, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Pasta:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Start checking the pasta for doneness about 10 minutes before the recommended cooking time, as slow cookers can vary.
- Use different pasta shapes: Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as shells, penne, or farfalle, for added texture and visual appeal.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the flavor and nutritional value by adding vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, or spinach during the last hour of cooking.
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
Variations:
- Italian Chicken Pasta: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a vibrant Italian twist.
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta: Use a can of cream of tomato soup instead of cream of mushroom for a richer tomato flavor.
- Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese and add a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, comforting meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This crockpot chicken and pasta recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!