Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when comfort food meets a little magic from the crock pot, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with tender chicken, creamy sauces, and perfectly cooked pasta – all made hands-off in the slow cooker. Trust me, once you try this, it might just be the recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe come together beautifully because they balance creamy and tangy flavors with a nice herby kick. When I shop for this, I always seek good-quality slow cooker sauces and fresh spinach to keep things lively.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even thickness breasts for consistent cooking.
• Garlic minced: Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch for quick prep.
• Italian seasoning: This blend amps up the herbiness without measuring a million spices.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that I find really complements the chicken.
• Onion powder: An easy flavor enhancer that melds nicely in slow cooker recipes.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked for best flavor, if you can.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: I recommend getting them packed in oil for a richer taste and chopping them up well.
• Alfredo sauce: A creamy base that pairs perfectly with the chicken and marinara.
• Marinara sauce: Adds tomato tang and balances out the richness.
• Parmesan cheese shredded: For that cheesy, nutty finish.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, irresistible pockets throughout the dish.
• Spinach: Fresh and bright, it adds both color and nutrition without overpowering.
• Cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape catches the sauce wonderfully, but you can swap with your favorite pasta.

Variations

I love to tweak this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on the season and what my family is craving. Feel free to make this your own, offering plenty of room to get creative!

• Protein Swap: I once tried substituting chicken thighs instead for extra juiciness; it was delicious and forgiving if you forget about it a bit longer in the slow cooker.
• Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers during cooking adds a fresh twist and even more nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream alfredo and dairy-free cheeses to make this recipe work for lactose intolerance without losing creaminess.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick, which my family unexpectedly enjoyed!

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Layer the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. I seasoned mine directly in the crock pot with garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and those chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s a little trick I discovered: seasoning the chicken well right at the start allows all those flavors to soak in slowly, making every bite deliciously flavorful. If you want an extra layer of flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it – it really takes it up a notch.

Step 2: Add Your Sauces and Cook

Pour the alfredo and marinara sauces over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover the crock pot, and cook on high for about 2½ to 3½ hours, or on low for 4 to 5 hours. When I first made this on low, I was amazed at how the chicken absorbed all those rich sauces. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature near the last hour – you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C) so you don’t overcook the chicken.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Cheeses + Spinach

Once your chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the crock pot using two forks. This step is so satisfying — you’ll see the chicken break apart and mix in with the sauce beautifully. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cheeses (mozzarella and parmesan). Cover and let it cook another 30 minutes to let the cheeses melt and the spinach wilt just right.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine

While the chicken-cheese mixture is finishing, cook your pasta to al dente according to the package directions. I prefer cavatappi for its twists that hold sauce well. Drain the pasta, then add it into the slow cooker. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles in that amazing sauce. I love how the pasta absorbs just enough sauce without getting soggy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with some extra parmesan and parsley for a fresh, bright finish. Then dive right in—you’ll see why this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a total keeper.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley — they bring a nice pop of freshness and color. Sometimes, I add a little crushed red pepper for a mild heat, especially if the family wants some spice. It’s those small touches that elevate this dish.

Side Dishes

To round things out, I like serving this with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A crisp Caesar salad pairs beautifully, balancing the creamy pasta. Plus, who can resist warm, buttery garlic bread on the side? It’s the perfect combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual ramekins topped with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of good olive oil for that fancy touch. It looks impressive but is so easy to pull off—you’ll feel like a pro for sure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This recipe keeps well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce and cheese evenly.

Freezing

Believe it or not, I’ve frozen this dish successfully! Freeze it before adding the cooked pasta, as pasta can get mushy after freezing. When ready, thaw overnight, cook your pasta fresh, and mix before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, and you’ll enjoy almost as much as the first time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe hands down feels like a little gift to myself and my family on busy nights. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make — just the kind of meal that comforts and delights all at once. I can genuinely say, once you give this recipe a go, it’ll probably earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation, just like it did in mine. So go ahead, try it out, and get ready to fall in love with slow cooker cooking all over again!

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