Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Vegetables with Pasta

This hearty, creamy chicken and vegetable pasta is the ultimate comfort food. With minimal prep and bold, cozy flavors, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekends. The rich cream sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while the slow cooker does all the hard work—leaving you with a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Work)

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): A great use for leftover chicken or rotisserie. Adds protein and hearty texture.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots: Classic veggies that add sweetness, color, and nutrition.
1 cup frozen corn: Offers a natural sweetness and crisp texture to balance the creamy sauce.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a savory aromatic base that enhances flavor depth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings bold, irresistible flavor to the sauce.
3 cups chicken broth: Creates the liquid base and infuses rich flavor into every bite.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Essential for a smooth, velvety texture and tangy finish.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and comforting, perfect for chicken-based dishes.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a hint of brightness and freshness.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
8 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice: Absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly; choose your favorite shape.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional topping that adds savory depth and a touch of saltiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the base: In your slow cooker, combine shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, chopped onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese.
Season: Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute evenly. Don’t worry if the cream cheese isn’t fully incorporated—it will melt as it cooks.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally to help the cream cheese blend smoothly into the sauce.
Cook pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, boil the egg noodles or pasta according to the package directions. Drain well.
Combine: Just before serving, stir the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture or serve the sauce over individual bowls of noodles. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is beloved for its simplicity, flexibility, and deep, satisfying flavor. The slow cooker allows everything to meld beautifully, while the cream cheese and heavy cream create a sauce that’s indulgent yet balanced by vegetables and broth. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

Use rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor.
Soften cream cheese first: Ensures easier mixing and smoother texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente to hold up in the creamy sauce.
Add fresh herbs before serving: For a fresh pop of flavor, try chopped parsley or chives.