Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Pasta

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Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Pasta

This ultra-easy slow cooker pasta uses bottled creamy Italian dressing and just a few pantry staples to create a rich, comforting dinner that tastes like you stood over the stove all evening. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or when you just want cozy food with zero stress.

 Servings

  • Serves: 6–8 people

 Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (optional but recommended)

  • 12 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)

  • 1 cup bottled creamy Italian dressing

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Garlic powder or minced garlic

  • Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms

  • Red pepper flakes for heat

 Instructions

  1. Add to slow cooker

    • Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

    • Pour creamy Italian dressing, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and chicken broth over the top.

  2. Cook

    • Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

  3. Shred chicken

    • Remove chicken, shred with forks, then return it to the slow cooker.

  4. Add pasta

    • Stir in dry pasta.

    • Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once, until pasta is tender.

  5. Finish

    • Stir in shredded cheese.

    • Season with salt and pepper.

    • Let sit 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

 Description Notes

  • Creamy Italian dressing replaces multiple seasonings

  • Pasta cooks right in the sauce = maximum flavor

  • Cream cheese creates a silky, restaurant-style texture

  • Great base recipe for endless variations

 Tips for Best Results

  • 🍝 Stir pasta halfway through to prevent sticking

  • 🧀 Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting

  • 💧 If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk

  • ⏲ Don’t overcook pasta — slow cookers vary

  • ❄️ Leftovers reheat beautifully with a little milk

 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~420

  • Protein: 28g

  • Fat: 20g

  • Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Calcium: ~25% DV

(Values vary based on pasta, cheese, and dressing brand)

 Benefits

  • One-pot, minimal cleanup

  • Budget-friendly family meal

  • Protein-rich and filling

  • Easily customizable for picky eaters

  • Perfect for busy weeknights

 Recipe Q & A

Q: Can I make this without chicken?
A: Yes! Just omit chicken and use vegetable broth for a creamy vegetarian pasta.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but cooking time may increase by 30–60 minutes.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape?
A: Short, sturdy pasta like rotini or penne works best.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything except pasta and refrigerate overnight.

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