Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Dinner Your Family Will Love!

Looking for a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight? This creamy, rich pasta is just what you need! With tender, shredded chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, mixed with pasta and fresh spinach, and finished off with a creamy Parmesan and Greek yogurt blend, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s a one-pot wonder that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This RecipeThis dish is the epitome of comfort food! It’s a simple, slow-cooked meal that lets the Crock Pot do all the work while creating a deliciously creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired sauce. The chicken becomes tender and easy to shred, while the addition of Greek yogurt and Parmesan gives the sauce a velvety, cheesy texture. Combined with pasta and fresh spinach, this meal is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients.

The Inspiration Behind This DishItalian flavors are always a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe takes those classic herbs—like oregano, basil, and thyme—and blends them into a creamy, slow-cooked sauce. By using Greek yogurt and Parmesan, the sauce becomes both rich and slightly tangy, complementing the tender chicken perfectly. The spinach adds a pop of freshness to the dish, making it a balanced meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 5g

This recipe is packed with protein thanks to the chicken and Greek yogurt, making it a hearty meal that will leave you full and satisfied. Plus, the spinach adds a dose of greens to round out this family-friendly dish.

Serving Suggestions and PairingsServe this meal with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top will add even more cheesy goodness, and you can garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon would complement the creamy sauce perfectly.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. This dish also freezes well—just store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Fun Fact: The History of Italian Pasta Dishes

Italian pasta dishes have been a staple of the Mediterranean diet for centuries, dating back to the Roman Empire. While the specific recipes have evolved over time, the combination of pasta, protein, and flavorful sauces remains a classic formula. This dish brings together those timeless elements with the convenience of modern slow cooking, making it a go-to for busy families who still want to enjoy a delicious, homemade Italian meal.

Cooking Tips

• Shred the Chicken Easily: When it’s time to shred the chicken, use two forks to pull the meat apart gently. For an even quicker method, you can use a hand mixer to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot!
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you like your sauce creamier, you can add a little more Greek yogurt or Parmesan cheese. On the other hand, if you prefer a thinner sauce, a splash of chicken broth can help loosen it up.
• Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your pasta water generously before boiling the pasta. This helps the pasta absorb more flavor as it cooks.

Optional Variations

• Add More Veggies: If you’d like to bulk up this meal with more vegetables, you can add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the spinach for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy Twist: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Creamier Option: For an ultra-rich sauce, stir in a little cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a luxurious, indulgent twist.

Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 handful fresh spinach
• 16 oz Barilla Protein+ Penne pasta
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the sauce: In a Crock Pot, stir together the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. Place the chicken breasts in the sauce, ensuring they are fully covered.
2. Slow cook the chicken: Cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and can easily be shredded. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot.
3. Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil a large pot of water for the pasta. Salt the water, add the penne pasta, and cook according to the package directions (about 10 minutes). Drain the pasta.
4. Add creaminess: Stir the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach into the Crock Pot with the shredded chicken. Let it cook on low for another 10 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.
5. Combine and serve: Add the drained pasta to the Crock Pot and stir well to combine. Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

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This rich and creamy pasta dish is a flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and protein-packed pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite!