Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook!
• Rich and creamy flavor – The Caesar dressing adds a tangy, cheesy, and garlicky taste.
• Perfect for meal prep – This dish stores well and can be reheated easily.
• Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters love the creamy pasta with tender chicken.
• Minimal ingredients – Requires only a handful of pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Caesar dressing
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add liquids: Pour the Caesar dressing and chicken broth over the chicken. Stir slightly to coat.
3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
5. Add creaminess: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the sauce. Stir well until smooth.
6. Cook the pasta: While the chicken is finishing, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add it to the crockpot.
7. Combine and serve: Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Use different proteins: Try swapping the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
• Vegetable boost: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and a light Caesar dressing.
• Extra cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone for an even richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?

Yes! Any good-quality bottled Caesar dressing works, or you can make your own from scratch.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low to ensure it cooks through properly.

3. What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie holds the sauce well, but fettuccine also works great.

4. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Cook the chicken in a skillet, shred it, and mix with the Caesar sauce before tossing in the pasta.

5. How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Caesar dressing is gluten-free.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.

7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, use shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce the slow-cooking time to about 1 hour to heat everything through.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?

Cook the pasta separately and stir it in just before serving.

9. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella makes it even creamier.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to handle the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!

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