There is something unmistakably cozy about a slow cooker filled with bubbling, fragrant sauce while the house warms with the smell of garlic and sun dried tomatoes, that feeling this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers. It is the sort of dish you can start midafternoon, then come back to a rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken that shreds into ribbons for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory weekend supper. If you like hands-off cooking that still looks and tastes like effort, this recipe fits the bill, and it pairs beautifully with other comforting slow cooker pastas like a garlic parmesan chicken pasta when you want to switch up sauces.
Why This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Works
This recipe lands in the sweet spot between convenience and comfort. The slow cooker gently coaxes the chicken and sun dried tomatoes into a deeply flavored, creamy sauce without constant stirring, so the textures stay silky and the flavors concentrate slowly. When you shred the chicken in the pot the sauce thickens and wraps every strand of pasta, creating a satisfying, restaurant-style plate at home.
Why you will reach for this dish again
- Hands-off cooking yields a luxurious, slow-simmered sauce.
- The cream cheese gives a smooth, rich mouthfeel without heavy cream.
- Sun dried tomatoes add sweet-tart intensity that brightens the dish.
- It scales easily for families or a small dinner party.
What You’ll Need
This recipe balances savory chicken with a rich, tangy sauce, and a few simple swaps can keep it lighter or more indulgent depending on your mood. If you want to boost the vegetables, add baby spinach near the end, or swap in a short whole wheat pasta for more fiber. Below are the core ingredients and their roles in the dish.
- Chicken breasts, bone-in or boneless, for tenderness and shredding
- Cream cheese, for silky richness and to thicken the sauce
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, for concentrated sweet-tart flavor
- Italian seasoning, for an herby backbone
- Garlic, minced, for aromatic depth
- Chicken broth, to build the cooking liquid and flavor base
- Pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, to hold sauce on every bite
- Salt, to season and enhance flavors
- Pepper, freshly ground for bright spice
Note on ingredients, use, and swaps: boneless, skinless chicken breasts speed cooking but bone-in adds flavor. Low-sodium chicken broth lets you control salt. If you like even more tomato punch, add a spoonful of tomato paste when you stir in the cream cheese.
How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- In a crock pot, add the chicken breasts, cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. The cream cheese may sit in chunks at first, and the sun-dried tomatoes should be scattered so they release flavor into the broth as it heats.
- Stir to combine and make sure the chicken is coated. Use a spoon to nestle the ingredients around the chicken, you should see a glossy film of cream cheese and broth beginning to meld. The aroma of garlic and herbs will become noticeable as the cooker warms.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is tender. You want the chicken to be fully cooked through and yielding to a fork, when it easily pulls apart the sauce will be rich and fragrant. The slow heat concentrates flavors and softens the tomatoes into sauce-studded pockets.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Salt the cooking water well so the pasta itself carries flavor, and aim for al dente so it holds up when combined with the sauce.
- Once chicken is done, shred it in the crock pot. Use two forks or meat claws and shred directly into the sauce so the chicken soaks up the creamy, tomato-laced juices and the texture becomes tender ribbons. Check seasoning and break up any remaining cream cheese lumps by stirring until smooth.
- Serve the chicken mixture over the cooked pasta, and enjoy. Plate generous portions so every forkful has sauce and shredded chicken, top with cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. The sauce should cling to the pasta and glisten, with little flecks of tomato and herbs throughout.
Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 4 hours, Total ~ 4 hours 10 minutes, Servings ~ 4 to 6, Kcal ~ 650 per serving (estimate)
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
You can do a surprising amount of this recipe ahead of time, which makes weeknight dinners feel effortless. Prepare the sun-dried tomatoes, measure spices, and cube the cream cheese the day before to save morning minutes. If you prefer to keep the pasta from softening in the sauce, cook and cool the pasta separately until ready to serve.
How to prep ahead
- Combine the dry ingredients and store them in a resealable bag, labelled, for up to a week.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Place raw chicken and measured broth in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add cream cheese just before cooking for best texture.
Finishing later: Reheat the shredded chicken and sauce gently on low in the crock pot, stir in any additional cream cheese or a splash of broth to loosen the sauce, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Storing and Reheating
Proper storage preserves texture and flavor so you can enjoy leftovers the next day or freeze portions for future meals. The cream cheese based sauce thickens as it cools, so reheating gently is important to restore that glossy smoothness.
Refrigerate and freeze guidance
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Keep pasta and sauce together if you finished the dish fully, or store pasta separately for the best texture.
- Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Gentle reheating tips - Warm leftover sauce and chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the texture.
- If reheating in the microwave, use medium power and stir every 45 seconds until evenly heated, adding a little broth if the sauce looks dry.
Freshness cue: a bright, tangy aroma and glossy sauce indicate freshness, while an off or overly sour smell means it is time to discard.
Perfect Pairings
This creamy, tomato-laced chicken pasta is happy with simple sides that add contrast, brightness, or crunch. Try one or mix a couple for a complete, satisfying meal.
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for an earthy, caramelized side
- Crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every drop of sauce
- A light caprese salad with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes
- Steamed green beans tossed with a squeeze of lemon and toasted almonds
Make It Your Own
This recipe adapts well to different tastes and pantry finds, so feel free to customize while keeping the core technique the same. Here are ideas to tailor the dish without losing its comforting appeal.
- Add leafy greens, spinach or kale, stirred in during the last 10 minutes so they wilt but retain color and nutrients. This gives a nice pop of green and a subtle earthiness.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor, they shred beautifully and produce a slightly more luxurious mouthfeel.
- Stir in grated parmesan or pecorino at the end for an extra savory, nutty finish, adding a spoonful at a time until you reach your desired saltiness.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno when you add the garlic, the gentle heat complements the sweet tomatoes.
- For a lighter version, replace half the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt stirred in off-heat to prevent curdling, adding tang and protein.
- Boost the umami with a spoonful of tomato paste or a sprinkle of sun-dried tomato powder when you start the slow cook.
- For pasta variety, try rigatoni, ziti, or even large shells that catch the shredded chicken and sauce in their curves, switching how the sauce clings and is experienced.
- If you love a layered baked finish, transfer the shredded chicken and sauce over cooked pasta into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and broil until golden, for a bubbly, gratin-style twist.
If you enjoy exploring other slow cooker pasta recipes, you can also try a different family favorite like chicken parmesan in the crock pot for another comforting, saucy dinner option.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier melting and a silkier sauce.
- Give the chicken enough time, it should pull apart easily, not feel rubbery, aim for an internal temperature of 165 F when checked with a thermometer.
- If the sauce looks too thin at the end, remove the lid for the last 20 to 30 minutes to let it reduce, or stir in a small spoonful of cornstarch slurry until it reaches the desired body.
- Cook pasta to al dente, slightly under if you plan to toss with sauce and bake afterwards, as it will continue to soften.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end because reduced sauces can concentrate sodium, so add salt in small increments.
- If using frozen chicken, increase cook time and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marry Me Chicken, and why does it have that name?
Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy chicken dish traditionally flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. The name comes from its reputation as a romantic, crowd-pleasing meal so delicious some people joke it could inspire a proposal, but at its heart it is simply a show-stopping, comforting dinner.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and bring added flavor and tenderness. Use boneless, skinless thighs and monitor cook time; they often finish slightly faster and shred into very moist pieces that meld beautifully with the sauce.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the crock pot?
No, browning is optional. Browning adds a layer of caramelized flavor, but skipping it keeps the dish simpler and still delivers excellent results because the slow cooker concentrates flavor as it cooks.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from separating?
Use room temperature cream cheese and stir it in early so it has time to soften gradually as the pot heats. If separation happens, whisk in a splash of hot broth or simmer gently while stirring to smooth it back together.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely, swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety made from rice, corn, or legumes and ensure your chicken broth labels gluten free. Cooking times and textures may vary slightly, so taste and adjust seasoning.
How long will leftovers last and how should I reheat them?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave at medium power in short intervals, stirring to restore creaminess.
What pasta shape works best with this sauce?
Short, ridged pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rigatoni-style tubes work best because they catch strands of shredded chicken and hold sauce in their grooves. Small shells and fusilli are also excellent choices for trapping sauce in nooks and crevices.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that keeps you coming back because it combines effortless slow cooking with a sauce that tastes intentionally crafted. With a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create a luxurious, comforting meal that pleases a crowd or elevates a quiet weeknight. Try it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables, and enjoy the warm, herby aromas that make this dish feel like a hug in a bowl. Give it a go this week, and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious results.
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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (with swaps)
Description
This cozy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta features tender chicken in a rich, velvety sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a crock pot, add the chicken breasts, cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine and make sure the chicken is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the crock pot directly into the sauce.
- Serve the chicken mixture over the cooked pasta and enjoy.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace half the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt. You can customize with leafy greens or different pasta shapes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, pasta, chicken, comfort food
