Slow Cooker Creamy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta
If there is one recipe guaranteed to win people over at the dinner table, it is this Slow Cooker Creamy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken, a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one irresistibly cozy slow cooker dinner.
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so good it could inspire a proposal after just one bite. And honestly? Once you taste the creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, parmesan, and sweet tangy sun-dried tomatoes, you will understand why.
This crockpot version makes it even easier by letting the slow cooker do most of the work while you end up with a restaurant-worthy pasta dinner everyone will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Easy slow cooker dinner
- Rich and creamy sauce
- Packed with flavor
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Minimal prep required
- One-pot style meal
- Perfect for busy weeknights
This recipe tastes luxurious but is incredibly simple to make.
What Is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish made with garlic, parmesan, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich cream sauce. It became wildly popular because of its bold flavor and comforting texture.
This pasta version transforms the classic into a hearty, satisfying slow cooker meal with tender pasta soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Ingredients You Need
For the Chicken and Sauce
- Chicken breasts
- Thickened cream
- Chicken stock
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper
For the Pasta
- Penne or spiral pasta
- Parmesan cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh spinach
- Chili flakes
The sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness that balances the creamy parmesan sauce beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the cream, chicken stock, garlic, tomato paste, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper directly to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
The sauce slowly develops rich flavor as it cooks with the chicken.
Slow Cook the Chicken
Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce and let them cook until perfectly tender and juicy.
The chicken absorbs all the creamy garlic herb flavor while becoming easy to shred.
Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce helps it absorb all the creamy, savory flavor.
Finish with Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Add spinach or chili flakes right before serving if desired.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Keep an Eye on the Pasta
Different pasta shapes cook at different speeds, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
Use Fresh Parmesan
Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother and adds better flavor.
Add Extra Liquid if Needed
If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, stir in a splash of broth or cream.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts stay juicier when removed and shredded as soon as they are tender.
Delicious Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add extra chili flakes or diced Calabrian chilis.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers are delicious additions.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs become extra tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
- Make it Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Breadsticks
- Green salad
- Bruschetta
- Roasted asparagus
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This pasta reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces can separate slightly after freezing, but it still works. Reheat gently and stir well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the final cooking stage before adding the pasta.
Slow Cooker Creamy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts about 2 lbs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock or broth
- 3 tsps minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup uncooked pasta penne or spirals
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
Optional
- 3 cups fresh spinach or a couple handfuls
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Add the cream, chicken stock, garlic, tomato paste, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Place the chicken breasts into the sauce and coat lightly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred or slice it. Return the chicken to the slow cooker.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Add extra broth or water if needed.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Stir in spinach or chili flakes if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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