We get it—some nights cooking feels like a chore you just can’t face.
That’s where this recipe steps in, like a little food hug after a long day. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, while still being as low-effort as it gets.
Plus, there’s something about combining pasta, tender chicken, and a rich tomato sauce that just works. We’re talking warm, satisfying, and the kind of meal that makes everyone sink into their chairs a little happier.
No fuss, barely any prep, and it practically cooks itself while you handle whatever else is on your plate (figuratively, of course).
Why This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Will Become a Favorite
You’ll love how simple and flavorful this dish is. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Tender Chicken – The slow cooker allows the chicken to cook low and slow, absorbing all the flavors from the tomato sauce, resulting in juicy, shredded chicken.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce – The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and tomato sauce creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Minimal Hands-On Time – Once you add the ingredients to the slow cooker, it’s all hands-off cooking, making this a perfect weekday meal.
- Hearty Pasta – The pasta soaks up the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying and comforting.
This dish is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy meal that delivers big flavor with little effort.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a delicious, creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The base of the dish, these cook up tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
- Sour Cream – Provides a tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- Tomato Sauce – The key ingredient for creating the vibrant, savory base for the dish.
- Chicken Broth – Adds depth to the sauce and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Garlic and Onion Powder – Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or rotini works best for this recipe, as they hold the sauce well.
These ingredients combine to make a hearty, creamy meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This recipe is simple and quick to prepare. Follow these steps for a delicious dinner:
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then place them in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce – In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Add the Pasta – About 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta to the slow cooker. Stir to make sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce and cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes on low.
- Serve – Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
That’s it! This creamy tomato chicken pasta is so easy to make and packed with flavor.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but here are some sides that pair perfectly with it:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | The crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. |
| Green Salad | A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted broccoli or carrots add a healthy, flavorful side to the meal. |
| Steamed Asparagus | Steamed asparagus is a light and fresh option that complements the richness of the pasta. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting, hearty side that pairs well with the sauce. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
This dish makes great leftovers and is easy to store and reheat. Here’s how:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to thin out the sauce if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat leftovers in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
To make this recipe even better, try these tips:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for added flavor and juiciness.
- Add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- Top with extra cheese – sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella on top for added creaminess and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Add it to the slow cooker towards the end of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it for an extra hour if using frozen chicken.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well with this creamy sauce. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
3. How can I make this spicier?
To add some heat, toss in red pepper flakes, a jalapeño, or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker a day ahead of time. Just add the pasta on the day you plan to serve it and cook until tender.
This slow cooker creamy tomato chicken pasta is everything you want in a comforting meal—creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and creamy sauce
- Large Skillet For searing the chicken
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces egg noodles or your favorite pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, garlic, and seasonings. Stir to combine and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the chicken and creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.
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