
This easy Crockpot chicken and stuffing pasta combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, hearty pasta, and golden seasoned stuffing for the ultimate comforting slow cooker dinner.
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Pasta
If you’re looking for one of those easy comfort food recipes that practically feels like a hug in a bowl, this Crockpot chicken and stuffing pasta is it.
I usually make this when I want something hearty and comforting without having to stand over the stove all evening. The chicken cooks until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork, while the creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta. Then there’s the stuffing—little golden, savory bits scattered throughout that give the whole dish a cozy, almost Thanksgiving-inspired flavor.
Honestly, it’s the kind of dinner that’s hard to stop eating straight from the slow cooker.
It’s especially handy on busy days because most of the cooking happens without much attention from me. By dinnertime, everything is warm, creamy, and ready to spoon into bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker dinner
- Tender, juicy shredded chicken
- Creamy and incredibly comforting
- Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
- Great for busy weeknights
- Perfect for leftovers
- Combines chicken, pasta, and stuffing in one satisfying meal
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Creamy Sauce
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) bow-tie or other short pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, optional
For the Stuffing
- 2 cups (about 100–120 g) dry seasoned stuffing mix
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning, optional
Optional Additions
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Sprinkle the chicken with poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic around the chicken.
I usually season the chicken directly rather than just seasoning the sauce. It gives the meat more flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or milk
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Try to spread it evenly so the chicken is nicely coated.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on:
LOW for 5–6 hours
or
HIGH for 2½–3½ hours
The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your particular slow cooker, so I recommend checking the temperature rather than relying only on the clock.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or cutting board.
Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then shred it using two forks.
You can also use clean hands if the chicken has cooled enough to handle.
Return the shredded chicken to the creamy sauce and stir everything together.
This is usually the point where I start sneaking little tastes. Honestly, the chicken and sauce alone are already pretty delicious.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, or shortly before you’re ready to finish the dish, cook the pasta according to the package directions.
I recommend cooking it just until al dente.
Don’t overcook it because the pasta will absorb some of the creamy sauce once everything is combined.
Drain the pasta well and toss it with the butter.
Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing
While the pasta cooks, combine the dry stuffing mix with 3/4 cup chicken broth and the melted butter.
Stir gently until the stuffing is moistened.
You don’t want it completely soggy. It should still have some texture because those little seasoned pieces are what make this dish so good.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce.
Gently fold everything together.
Add the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it.
Then scatter the prepared stuffing over the top.
For an especially creamy dish, you can gently stir about half of the stuffing through the pasta and leave the rest scattered over the top.
That’s actually how I usually do it. You get creamy, savory stuffing throughout the dish while still having those delicious little golden pieces on top.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Cover the slow cooker and let everything warm together for about 10–15 minutes.
If you’re using shredded mozzarella, sprinkle it over the top during the final few minutes and let it melt.
Finish with fresh parsley if you have some.
Then serve it warm.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken and Stuffing Pasta
Don’t overcook the chicken
Chicken breasts can become dry if they’re left in the slow cooker much longer than necessary. Start checking them toward the end of the recommended cooking time.
Cook the pasta separately
I strongly recommend this rather than putting dry pasta into the slow cooker for hours. Pasta can become overly soft and absorb far more liquid than expected.
Keep some stuffing crispy
If you want more texture, reserve some of the stuffing and add it just before serving.
For an even crispier topping, spread the prepared stuffing on a baking sheet and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for several minutes until golden, then sprinkle it over each serving.
Don’t make the sauce too thick
The pasta will absorb some of the creamy sauce. If the finished dish seems too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk.
Add vegetables if you like
Frozen peas are particularly easy. I usually stir them in with the cooked pasta so they warm through without becoming mushy.
Taste before adding more salt
Stuffing mix, canned soup, broth, and Parmesan can all contain quite a bit of salt. Taste the finished dish before adding extra.
Serving Suggestions
This is already a pretty substantial meal, so I usually keep the sides simple.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- A crisp green salad
- Glazed carrots
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
A fresh green salad is probably my favorite because the crisp vegetables balance out the rich, creamy pasta.
For serving, add a little fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
How to Store Leftovers
Let the leftovers cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so leftovers may be thicker the next day.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk and stir well.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can You Freeze Chicken and Stuffing Pasta?
You can freeze it, although the texture of the pasta and creamy sauce may change slightly after thawing.
For the best results, freeze individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers and use them within 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little additional broth or milk.
If possible, add fresh stuffing after reheating for the best texture.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the specific soup, stuffing mix, pasta, cream, and cheese used.
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 43 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1,250 mg
Adding cheese or using a richer cream will increase the calories and fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay very juicy in the slow cooker.
You can use the same general cooking method, but always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Bow-tie pasta works nicely because it holds onto the creamy sauce, but rotini, penne, shells, or another short pasta can work too.
Just cook whichever pasta you choose separately according to its package directions.
3. Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?
Yes. You can make a simple homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream.
The canned soup is mainly there to make this recipe quick and easy.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Peas, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, and green beans all work well.
I usually use frozen peas because they’re incredibly easy—just stir them into the finished dish and let them heat through.
5. Why did my pasta turn out dry?
Pasta continues absorbing liquid after it’s cooked, especially in a creamy casserole-style dish.
If your pasta seems dry, stir in warm chicken broth or milk a little at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot chicken and stuffing pasta is one of those recipes that feels much more complicated and special than it actually is.
You’ve got tender shredded chicken, creamy pasta, savory herbs, and buttery stuffing all coming together in one incredibly comforting meal.
I usually make this when I want something cozy on a chilly evening, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or stuffing after a holiday meal.
Honestly, the combination of creamy pasta and those seasoned stuffing pieces is what keeps me coming back. If you’re a fan of classic chicken-and-stuffing flavors, this easy slow cooker version is definitely worth adding to your weeknight dinner rotation.
