Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta is a creamy and savory dish that beautifully combines the rich flavors of Alfredo and marinara sauces. This delightful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal preparation and lets your slow cooker do all the work. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta Recipe
This dish stands out for several reasons. First, the combination of Alfredo and marinara sauces creates a harmonious balance of creamy and tangy flavors that is simply irresistible. Second, the use of a crock pot allows you to prepare the meal in advance, freeing up your time for other activities. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy, soaking up all the delicious sauces. Plus, you can easily customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
Here is the list of ingredients you will need for this delightful pasta dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (approximately 15 ounces)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (approximately 24 ounces)
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne work well)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta Directions
Making this crock pot meal is straightforward and requires only a few steps. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your crock pot. It’s essential to season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Next, sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken, ensuring each breast gets evenly coated.
Pour the jar of Alfredo sauce over the chicken, followed by the marinara sauce. Stir gently to combine the sauces with the chicken. It doesn’t have to be perfectly mixed; the crock pot will do most of the blending as it cooks.
Once everything is in the pot, cover it with a lid. If you’re cooking on low, aim for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, you want the chicken to be thoroughly cooked and tender.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your pasta. Boil water in a separate pot and add the pasta of your choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and set it aside for later.
When the cooking time is up, it’s time to give your chicken a little love. Carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. The chicken should fall apart easily and be full of flavor from the sauces. Once shredded, return the chicken to the crock pot, mixing it well with the sauce.
Now it’s time to have some fun with your cooked pasta. Add the pasta to the crock pot, stirring it in with the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, allowing it to melt and mingle with the other ingredients.
Serve your delicious crock pot Alfredo marinara chicken pasta hot. Finish it off with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This not only adds flavor but also gives a lovely touch of color to your dish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
Serving this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. You can ladle generous portions into bowls or onto plates, ensuring everyone gets a hearty helping of chicken and pasta. A good idea is to add extra garnishes on top, such as additional grated Parmesan or a handful of freshly chopped parsley, which elevates the presentation.
Pair this meal with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dining experience. Garlic bread is particularly great as it complements the sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for something lighter, a side of steamed vegetables can work well too. Whatever you choose, your guests and family will be eagerly coming back for seconds!
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
To make your cooking experience even smoother, here are some expert tips for perfecting your crock pot Alfredo marinara chicken pasta. First, ensure that the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking. If your chicken is thicker, you might want to slice it in half horizontally to ensure it cooks through without drying out.
Another tip is to sauté fresh garlic and onions before adding them to the crock pot. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal. Additionally, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. The beauty of this recipe is that it is versatile, so feel free to add in your favorite vegetables. Spinach or bell peppers are excellent additions that blend well with the sauces.
Remember to keep an eye on the cooking time, particularly if you’re using the high setting. Overcooked chicken can dry out, so always check for doneness early. Finally, save some of that leftover sauce from the bottom of the pot! It can be drizzled over leftovers for an extra punch of flavor the next day.
How to Store Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
Storing your crock pot Alfredo marinara chicken pasta is easy and will help you enjoy it even after the initial meal. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Be sure to separate the pasta and chicken mixture if you want to keep each component for more extended storage.
You can keep your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to help loosen the sauce if needed. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken and sauce mixture. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation of Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
The beauty of crock pot Alfredo marinara chicken pasta is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. For a healthier version, consider swapping out the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can also be great low-carb substitutes.
If you want to add some veggies, try incorporating mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers directly into the crock pot. They will cook down nicely and enhance the overall flavor and nutritional profile of the dish. For protein variation, shredded rotisserie chicken can save you cooking time while still delivering that satisfying flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something bolder, consider adding your favorite spices or herbs. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can give it a unique twist, or a dash of lemon juice can brighten up the dish. The options are endless, making this dish perfect for experimentation!
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta?
Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta is a slow-cooked, creamy pasta dish that combines chicken with Alfredo and marinara sauces, served over pasta for a hearty meal.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
Cooking on low takes 6 to 8 hours, while on high, it will take about 3 to 4 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure they are cooked through.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Rotini or penne works well, but you can use any pasta you enjoy, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat options.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, by substituting chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas and using vegetable-based sauces, you can create a delightful vegetarian version.
Enjoy crafting your delightful crock pot Alfredo marinara chicken pasta!
Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (approximately 15 ounces)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (approximately 24 ounces)
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne work well) You can use any pasta of your preference.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reserve some for garnish.
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning the chicken.
- to taste Fresh parsley for garnish Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crock pot.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Pour Alfredo sauce over the chicken, followed by marinara sauce.
- Stir gently to combine the sauces with the chicken (it doesn't have to be perfectly mixed).
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- While the chicken is cooking, boil water in a separate pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain and set aside.
- When cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix it with the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir with the chicken and sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture.
Serving
- Serve the dish hot, garnishing with remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Consider pairing with a side salad or crusty bread.
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