Looking for a comforting dish that combines creamy goodness with tender chicken and pasta? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Rotini! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only delivers on flavor but also on convenience, allowing you to set it and forget it while it simmers to perfection. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this dish comes together. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and cutting the chicken breasts into large, even-sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking.
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the chicken breast chunks into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the chicken to add initial flavor and seasoning.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring the meat is partially submerged to help keep it moist during cooking.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables around and on top of the chicken, distributing them evenly throughout the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat, cooking for approximately 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to mix with the chicken and vegetables.
- Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables the night before. Just store them in the refrigerator and combine them in the slow cooker in the morning.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites! Fresh or seasonal veggies can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can elevate the creaminess and add a kick!
- Perfect Pasta: To ensure your rotini pasta cooks perfectly, stir it in during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This prevents it from becoming mushy while still soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to garnish your dish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
