Easy Crockpot Marry me Chicken pasta
Jordan Mike
Taste the savory delight of crockpot marry me chicken. Our recipe uses keyword to deliver a creamy, time-saving meal perfect for busy cooks.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal
Chicken Breast (2-3 pounds)
- Choose fresh or frozen-and-thawed chicken breast packages. This cut is lean and works well in a slow cooker absorbing flavors beautifully. For variety, consider adding chicken thighs as well, if you like a slightly richer taste. Some people prefer skinless chicken pieces for less grease, especially skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs. Both can provide that chicken a golden brown finish if you sear them briefly before slow cooking.
Seasonings
- Seasoned chicken is at the heart of any rich sauce. A simple blend of salt pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning typically works best. You can also include the classic tang of red pepper flakes if you want a hint of spice. These flakes add depth to the sauce without overwhelming your palate.
Olive Oil or Butter
- A small amount of fat can help you sear the chicken in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker. A quick browning step helps develop even more flavor. When you brown the chicken you encourage caramelization on the outside, which ultimately means a richer taste in your final dish.
Garlic
- Fresh garlic cloves or powder, if that is all you have contribute a savory note to the overall sauce. Garlic chicken is a favorite among many home cooks, and for good reason. Garlic blends wonderfully with cream, cheese, and herbs.
Chicken Broth and Chicken Stock
- Some home cooks love mixing these two for extra depth though one or the other is fine if that is what you have. You can add the chicken broth directly to the cooker. It helps thin out the cream and form a cohesive sauce around the meat. You may prefer to whisk together the chicken broth with heavy cream for a smoother consistency. If you have homemade chicken stock, that can provide a rich base. This liquid combination will keep your chicken breast moist and full of flavor.
Heavy Cream
- The signature creaminess in the sauce usually comes from heavy cream. You need enough to ensure that the sauce has body but not so much that it becomes overly thick. The cream will meld with the seasonings for a silky finish. Many consider cream an essential part of the version of marry me chicken you make at home.
Cheese
- Grated Parmesan is often used but you can experiment with other hard cheeses if that is your preference. The cheese melts into the sauce, producing a velvety layer on top of the chicken once it has cooked through.
Pasta or Spaghetti
- This is where a measure of creativity can come into play. Though some folks prefer spaghetti others might opt for penne, bowties, or any other shape. As you explore a stovetop version of marry me chicken, you can cook the pasta separately, then stir it into the sauce at the end. For those who want to keep everything in one pot, wait until the last segment of cooking to add the pasta, ensuring it does not get too mushy. A classic marry me chicken recipe often incorporates spaghetti or short noodles to capture the sauce in each bite.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes or Chopped Fresh Tomatoes (Optional)
- These bring a sweet tangy dimension to the dish. Whether you use them depends on personal preference, but many people appreciate how tomatoes brighten up the cream-based sauce.
Extra Flavors (Optional)
- You can sprinkle basil oregano, thyme, or dried onion flakes. You can also mix in spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables for added nutrients. Feel free to make small modifications based on the produce you have.
Preparation and Seasoning
Take the chicken breasts (or a combination of chicken breast and thighs if you plan to use boneless skinless chicken thighs). Pat them dry with a paper towel so the seasonings adhere better.
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Seasoned chicken breasts will develop a more pronounced flavor, so coat your meat thoroughly on all sides.
Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for a minute or two on each side. This seals in moisture and creates a lightly crusted exterior. You want chicken a golden brown color, not blackened. A short time in the pan accomplishes that.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. If you are skipping this step due to time constraints, it is still fine to proceed. However, even a little browning can amplify flavor.
Set Up Your Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of your cooker with nonstick spray if you wish. Then, add the chicken broth to the base of the pot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together the chicken broth with heavy cream or pour the cream in after the chicken is in place.
Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker. If you want to make this a one-pot meal, be aware that we will add pasta later during the cooking.
Add Aromatics and Cream
Minced garlic or garlic powder, chopped onions, and optional sun-dried tomatoes go in now. Gently spread them over the top of the chicken so everything is well-distributed. Pour in your heavy cream next.
Scatter grated Parmesan (or another cheese) over the surface. This begins the transformation into a sauce that hugs the meat.
Cook on Low
Put the lid on and cook on low heat for at least 3 to 4 hours. The exact cook time depends on your specific slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breast. In many slow cooker recipes, 4 hours on low is sufficient, but be prepared to go a bit longer if your device runs cool.
During this time, keep the lid closed as much as possible. Every time you lift it, you release valuable heat, which can extend your cooking process. Typically, you will need a total of 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
Check the Chicken
Around the 3-hour mark, you can check the chicken for doneness. Insert a thermometer to ensure your meat has reached 165°F (74°C), which is safe. If the chicken is cooked enough that it shreds easily, you might use forks to pull it into chunks or smaller pieces.
Incorporate the Pasta
If you want to cook your noodles in the same pot, wait until you are 30 to 40 minutes away from completion. Scatter uncooked pasta or spaghetti into the sauce. Push it gently so it is submerged. Close the lid again and cook until the chicken and pasta are done. This step transforms your meal into a simple all-in-one approach.
If you do not want the pasta to soak in the sauce for that long, cook it separately on the stove. Drain the noodles, then stir them into the slow cooker at the very end.
Add the Chicken Back (If You Removed It Earlier)
If you took the chicken out when it hit a safe temperature, and you cooked pasta in the pot by itself, add the chicken back now so it warms through for a final 10 minutes. That unites the chicken and sauce once more.
A truly juicy chicken result is key, so do not let it simmer too long after it is done, or it can start to dry out.
Keyword crockpot marry me chicken pasta
