Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of a hearty meal wafting through your kitchen. That’s exactly what you can expect when you set up a Crock Pot of Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta. This dish combines the rich, creamy taste of Alfredo sauce with the tangy goodness of marinara, all enveloping tender shredded chicken and pasta that’s been cooked to perfection. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta Recipe
One of the standout features of this recipe is its hands-free cooking style. You simply add your ingredients to the Crock Pot, set it, and let it do all the hard work. There’s no need to hover over the stove or constantly check on your pot. The combination of flavors from the Alfredo and marinara sauces meld together beautifully during the slow cooking process, providing a deliciously comforting sauce for your pasta. Plus, it’s a complete meal that’s not just satisfying, but also easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re crafting this for dinner guests or simply want a delightful family meal, this dish is certain to please.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
To whip up this delicious Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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)
- 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
Creating your Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bring this dish to life:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your Crock Pot. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, giving it a gentle rub to ensure the seasoning coats the meat evenly.
- Add the Sauces: Next, pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken, followed by the marinara sauce. Use a spatula or spoon to stir gently, mixing the sauces together so that they envelop the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top. This will give your dish that classic Italian flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the creamy and tangy sauces.
- Cooking Time: Cover your Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Cook the Pasta: While your chicken is cooking, fill a separate pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice (either rotini or penne) and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Shred the Chicken: When the chicken finishes cooking, it should be easy to shred. Use two forks to break it apart right in the Crock Pot, mixing it with the sauce for even distribution.
- Combine Everything: Now, add the drained pasta to the Crock Pot. Gently stir to combine the pasta and chicken with the sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Final Touch: Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir again to combine.
- Serving: It’s time to serve! Ladle the delightful pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch.
How to Serve Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
Serving your Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta is as easy as it is delicious. Start by ladling generous portions into individual bowls or onto plates. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make for a mouthwatering centerpiece.
For an authentic touch, consider pairing this dish with garlic bread or a side salad to add some crunchy freshness to your meal. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top to elevate its presentation. If you’re feeling adventurous, top it with some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
For family gatherings or special occasions, consider serving it in a large serving bowl and let guests help themselves. This dish not only tastes great but also looks inviting, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
To ensure your Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Chicken Variations: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require slightly more time to cook through.
- Pasta Choice: Rotini and penne pasta work wonderfully with this dish due to their shape, which holds on to the sauce better. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or bowties.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Chicken cooked on low becomes tender and easy to shred, but it’s essential to monitor the cooking times to prevent overcooking, especially if using a high setting. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Customize the Seasonings: If you’re a fan of a specific herb, consider adding fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for additional flavor. You can also adjust the Italian seasoning depending on your personal taste.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can uncover the Crock Pot for the last hour of cooking to allow steam to escape.
How to Store Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers of your delectable Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta, storing them is quite simple. Begin by allowing the dish to cool down to room temperature. Then, place any leftovers in an airtight container.
You can keep the chicken pasta in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. If you wish to enjoy it later, consider freezing the leftovers. When freezing, ensure that the dish is adequately sealed in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it can last for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess.
Variation of Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
Getting creative with your Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta can be extremely rewarding. Feel free to make some twists and turns with the ingredients:
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the Crock Pot along with the chicken. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a burst of flavor and color.
- Cheese Lovers: For an ultra-cheesy delight, consider mixing in a variety of cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Creamy Spinach Alfredo: Replace the marinara sauce with more Alfredo and mix in a cup of freshly chopped spinach for a rich, creamy spinach alfredo version that’s equally delicious.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Seafood Variation: If you’re in the mood for seafood, consider substituting chicken with shrimp or crab meat. Adjust the cooking time so that the seafood doesn’t overcook.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta?
Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta is a delicious dish featuring chicken cooked in a mixture of Alfredo and marinara sauces, combined with pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to cook this dish in a Crock Pot?
You can cook this dish on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
What types of pasta can I use?
You can use rotini, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer that holds sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just follow the proper storage guidelines after allowing it to cool.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the chicken. This adds flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Crock Pot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (approximately 15 ounces)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (approximately 24 ounces)
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your Crock Pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken, followed by the marinara sauce. Stir gently to mix.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top.
Cooking
- Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Cooking the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, fill a separate pot with water and bring to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
Final Steps
- When the chicken finishes cooking, shred it using two forks in the Crock Pot.
- Add the drained pasta to the Crock Pot and stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir again.
- Ladle the pasta onto plates or into bowls, garnishing with the remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley.
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