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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 122 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Description

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting slow-cooker meal featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich blend of Alfredo and marinara sauces, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. Tossed with spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and cavatappi pasta, this dish offers a creamy, cheesy pasta experience with minimal hands-on effort—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

Sauces and Cheeses

  • 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese

Produce and Pasta

  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta


Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken to infuse it with rich flavor.
  2. Add Sauces: Pour the entire jar of Alfredo sauce and marinara sauce over the seasoned chicken, ensuring even coverage for a creamy and tangy base.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable at this stage.
  4. Shred and Add Cheese and Spinach: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the spinach, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to melt the cheese and wilt the spinach.
  5. Cook Pasta: While the last 30 minutes of cooking is underway, cook the cavatappi pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain well once done.
  6. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the slow cooker with the cheese-covered chicken and sauce mixture. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the rich sauce and melted cheese.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, creamy pasta meal made easy.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking your chicken by monitoring its internal temperature as you near the last hour of cooking. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F to ensure safety and tenderness.
  • Cooking on low heat for a longer time allows the chicken to better absorb the flavors of the sauces and prevents drying out.
  • For added depth of flavor, sear the seasoned chicken pieces in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg