Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipes

Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights

There’s nothing more comforting than a cheesy bowl of pasta, especially when made effortlessly in a slow cooker. These easy slow cooker cheesy chicken pasta recipes combine tender chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. From creamy classics to bold enchilada pasta, we’ve got something for everyone. In this post, we’ll share five tasty variations and expert tips to make your slow-cooked pasta perfect every time. Let’s get cooking!

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipes

1. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta

If you're looking for a rich, velvety pasta dish with minimal prep, Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender chicken, a flavorful marinara sauce, and a touch of heavy cream to create a luscious, satisfying meal. Best of all, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 24.5 ounces marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
• 24.5 ounces water (use the empty marinara sauce jar to measure)
• 16 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta, uncooked)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

• Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Place them in an even layer in the bottom of a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker.
• Add the Sauce & Cook – Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken. Fill the empty marinara jar with water, shake it to get all the remaining sauce, and pour it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
• Shred the Chicken – Once fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the Pasta & Cream – Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the uncooked pasta and heavy cream. Ensure that the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.
• Final Cooking Step – Cover and cook on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Serve & Enjoy – Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, stir it and serve it hot. Serve it alongside a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Tips for Best Results:
• Check the pasta frequently to prevent overcooking; it can go from firm to mushy quickly.
• Adjust seasonings to taste—add more garlic, red pepper flakes, or herbs for extra flavor.
• For an even creamier texture, stir in an extra splash of heavy cream before serving.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and effortless preparation, it will become a regular on your dinner rotation!

2. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and effortless meal? Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is the perfect go-to dish for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers tender chicken, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in your slow cooker with minimal effort!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 24 ounces water (use the empty marinara jar to measure)
• 16 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

• Season the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the Sauce – Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by the water. Stir slightly to mix. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Shred the Chicken – Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the sauce.
• Add Pasta & Cream – Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and heavy cream, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Melt the Cheese – Once the pasta is tender, stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. If you want, you can add a tablespoon of butter for added richness. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes before stirring again.
• Serve & Enjoy – Dish up this creamy, cheesy delight while it's warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.

Tips for Best Results:

1. Stir the pasta occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and to prevent it from sticking together.
2. Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
3. Add red pepper flakes or extra seasoning for a bit of heat.

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is an easy, family-friendly meal that brings comfort and flavor to every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or serving a large group!

3. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Craving a dish that combines the bold flavors of enchiladas with the creamy comfort of pasta? Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta is the perfect fusion meal! This easy slow cooker recipe delivers tender shredded chicken, a rich and cheesy enchilada sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 12 ounces of uncooked penne or rotini pasta
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Season the Chicken – Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Add Liquids – Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
• Slow Cook the Chicken – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
• Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
• Add Pasta & Cheese – Stir in the uncooked pasta and cubed cream cheese. Cover and cook on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
• Melt the Cheese – Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese and cheddar cheese. Cover for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely. If desired, stir in sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Serve & Garnish – Scoop into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or extra cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Best Results:

1. Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to ensure an even texture.
2. Choose from mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce based on your preferred level of spiciness.
3. Swap out penne for rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni.
4. Add black beans or corn for extra heartiness.

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness!

4. Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice! This dish delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a luscious creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 3-4 garlic cloves, minced)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces of uncooked penne or fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Prepare the Chicken – Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the Broth & Garlic – Pour in the chicken broth and add the minced garlic. Stir to combine.
• Slow Cook the Chicken – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
• Shred the chicken: After removing the chicken, use two forks to shred it, and then return it to the slow cooker.
• Add Creaminess – Stir in the cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Cover and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
• Cook the Pasta – Add the uncooked pasta, cover, and cook on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.

Final Touches – Stir in mozzarella cheese (if using) and let it melt for a few minutes.
Serve & Garnish – Spoon onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

1. Stir the pasta occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more broth or heavy cream.
3. Use fettuccine for a more classic Alfredo-like texture.
4. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost.

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness!

5. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole

For a warm, comforting, and cheesy dish that's perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, the Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole is an absolute winner! With a blend of marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, and tender chicken, this casserole-style dish delivers layers of flavor and is super easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz Alfredo sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 16 oz gluten-free pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

• Prepare the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), and minced garlic.
• Add Sauces – Pour in the marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
• Slow Cook the Chicken – Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
• Add the Pasta – Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and add it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
• Cheese It Up – Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top and stir gently to combine. If you like a cheesy top, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Serve & Garnish – Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh basil for an added touch of flavor.

1. You can use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta as a healthier alternative.
2. For an extra creamy dish, add more Alfredo sauce or a bit of cream cheese.
3. If you prefer a crispy top, you can place the slow cooker on high for the last 15 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly.
4. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the dish is perfect for meal prep!

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole is your go-to for a hassle-free, hearty meal that the whole family will love!

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta

To make your Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta the best it can be, here are some tried-and-tested tips that will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. Follow these simple tricks for creamy, cheesy, and perfectly cooked pasta every time!

1. Use the Right Type of Pasta

Choose short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or cavatappi for the best results. These pasta types hold sauce well and won’t get soggy when cooked in the slow cooker. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it can overcook and become mushy.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker

While it might be tempting to add extra ingredients, make sure not to overcrowd your slow cooker. Overfilling can result in uneven cooking, and the pasta might not cook as well. Stick to the suggested portions or slightly adjust for your cooker’s size.

3. Season the Chicken Well

The chicken is the base of your dish, so season it generously with your favorite herbs and spices. Simple seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper will work wonders. For a little extra kick, try adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

4. Add the Pasta at the Right Time

Add uncooked pasta toward the end of the cooking process. Typically, pasta only needs 45 minutes to an hour to cook in the slow cooker, depending on the heat setting. If you add it too early, it can overcook and become mushy. Monitor it closely and stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess

To achieve the creamiest, dreamiest texture, use full-fat dairy products like heavy cream and full-fat cream cheese. These create a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Light versions can work in a pinch, but they might not give you that rich, velvety result.

6. Check the Pasta Consistency

Since slow cookers can vary in temperature, check the consistency of the pasta as it cooks. If it looks dry or the pasta is sticking to the sides, add a bit more broth, cream, or milk to loosen things up. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

7. Use a Combo of Cheeses

For maximum flavor, use a combination of cheeses. A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan offers the perfect balance of creaminess, meltiness, and sharpness. Shredding your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded will result in a smoother sauce as well!

8. Let It Rest After Cooking

Once your cheesy chicken pasta is done, let it sit in the slow cooker for about 10 minutes before serving.This helps the sauce thicken a bit, making the dish easier to serve.

9. Garnish for Extra Flavor

Don’t forget to garnish your cheesy chicken pasta with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or even some grated Parmesan for an added pop of flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil also enhances the dish beautifully.

10. Keep an Eye on Cooking Times

Different slow cookers heat differently, so it's essential to monitor cooking times, especially when adding pasta. Cooking on high typically requires 2-3 hours, while low heat might need 5-7 hours. If you’re cooking on low, make sure to check the chicken’s tenderness and the pasta texture toward the end.

By following these tips, you'll guarantee a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish every time you make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipes offer the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and convenience. With just a few ingredients, you can create a creamy, savory meal that everyone will love. Whether it’s a classic creamy pasta or a cheesy casserole, these dishes are easy to make and full of flavor. Follow our tips for a perfect dish every time, and enjoy these delicious meals with family and friends. Happy cooking!