Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, hands-off dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to want to try this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Trust me when I say, this dish hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, tangy, and packed with tender chicken that’s cooked perfectly in your slow cooker. Plus, you’ll love how easy it is to toss everything in the crock pot, walk away, and come back to a meal that feels like you spent all day in the kitchen. Ready to fall in love with dinner all over again? Let me show you how.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in the balance of creamy sauces, tender chicken, and that subtle hint of sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients all meld beautifully during the slow cook, giving you deep flavors without extra fuss. Just a quick tip: pick a good quality Alfredo and marinara sauce to really boost the flavor.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like using breasts for even cooking and shredding ease, but you could try thighs for extra juiciness.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh is always best, but jarred works in a pinch and blends right in.
• Italian seasoning: The easy way to add all those herby notes—basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky touch without heat.
• Onion powder: Helps build a savory base flavor without chunky onions.
• Black pepper: Keeps the flavor balanced and adds a gentle bite.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These are little bursts of rich, tangy sweetness that lift the dish.
• Alfredo sauce: Brings creaminess that’s rich but not overwhelming.
• Marinara sauce: Adds tang and tomato depth, making the sauce perfectly balanced.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts in and adds that umami punch.
• Mozzarella cheese: For melty gooey goodness you can never get enough of.
• Spinach: Sneaks in some greens and adds a lovely pop of color and mild flavor.
• Cavatappi pasta: The corkscrew shape grabs sauce better than your average noodle.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it a bit based on my mood and what was in the pantry, and it’s always turned out great. Feel free to switch things up so it suits your tastes and dietary needs!

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: They stay more tender and juicy. I tried this one night and honestly, the extra richness was such a treat.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers: For a veggie boost that gives the dish more texture and a little earthy sweetness.
• Swap pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat: I’ve done this for a healthier twist or to accommodate friends – just cook the pasta according to package directions.
• Make it spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want some heat; it changes the game but keeps the comforting vibe.
• Go dairy-free: Use dairy-free Alfredo and skip cheeses or add dairy-free alternatives to keep it creamy.

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Layer Your Chicken

Grab your 6-quart slow cooker and place the chicken breasts in it. I like to season each piece evenly with garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper, then sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes on top. This layering helps the flavors infuse the chicken as it cooks. A tip I discovered — for extra depth, try searing the chicken in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it to the crock pot. It really lifts the flavor, but it’s totally optional.

Step 2: Pour the Sauces and Cook Low and Slow

Next, pour the jar of Alfredo and marinara sauces right over your chicken. Give it a gentle swirl with a spoon if you want the sauces mingling a bit on top – but no stirring needed yet. Cover and cook on high for 2½–3½ hours or low for 4–5 hours. I usually go for low and slow because it gives the chicken time to soak in all that sauce goodness — just keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook.

Step 3: Shred, Add Cheese and Spinach, and Let It Melt

When the chicken is tender and cooked through (you’re looking for an internal temp of 165°F), shred it using two forks directly in the crock pot. Then stir in the fresh spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Cover and let it cook for another 30 minutes. This final step lets the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the saucy base, making everything velvety and irresistible.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine

While your crock pot finishes up, cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well, then toss the pasta into the slow cooker. Stir until every noodle is beautifully coated in the luscious sauce and melted cheese. At this stage, the dish is ready to serve, but let it sit for 5 minutes if you want it more combined.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I keep it simple but fresh—sprinkling a little extra Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I toss on a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if the mood strikes for a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This pasta is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also perfect for sopping up that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

When I make this for company, I’ll sometimes serve it in shallow bowls with extra fresh herbs sprinkled on top and put a small bowl of grated Parmesan on the side for folks to add at will. It gives a little extra “restaurant-style” vibe that friends really appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Just avoid adding spinach before freezing—add fresh spinach when reheating instead. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it tastes nearly as fresh when thawed and warmed up.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or milk to restore the creamy sauce’s texture. Slow and low heat really helps keep the chicken tender and flavors fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and flavor. Every time I serve it up, it sparks that warm, happy feeling of a home-cooked meal without the usual stress. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, give this recipe a try—you’ll thank me later when everyone’s asking for seconds and you barely lifted a finger!

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