Print

Creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy crockpot marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A comforting and rich creamy crockpot chicken pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 8 oz (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz (225 grams) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken. Pour the cream cheese mixture on top, making sure the chicken is mostly covered.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add directly into the crockpot with the chicken mixture.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover and let sit for 5-7 minutes with the lid on so the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
  8. Give everything a good stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

Soak sun-dried tomatoes in warm water or chicken broth for 10 minutes before adding to soften and enhance flavor. Add spinach at the end to avoid mushiness. Cook pasta separately and add near the end to prevent overcooking. If sauce is too thick after adding pasta, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen. Always thaw chicken before cooking for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, crockpot chicken recipe, marry me chicken, spinach pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken pasta