Chicken Caesar Pasta

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs); 1 tsp garlic powder; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 (12 oz) bottle creamy Caesar dressing; 1 (32 oz) carton chicken broth; 1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta; 8 oz cream cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; More fresh parsley, for garnish; More grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

This Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Pasta combines tender chicken breasts, creamy Caesar dressing, and pasta in one pot for minimal prep and maximum flavor. The slow cooker method ensures juicy chicken and a rich, cohesive sauce without stovetop monitoring.

⚡Slow Cooker

🌍American 🏷️Chicken caesar pasta 🏷️Slow cooker pasta 🏷️Creamy chicken pasta Easy dinner

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

🏷️Weeknight meal

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TikTok

Total

2h 35m

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
1 tsp garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon
1 (12 oz) bottle creamy Caesar dressing
1 (32 oz) carton chicken broth
1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
More fresh parsley, for garnishoptional
More grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishoptional
Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2
Sprinkle with garlic powder and lemon zest.
3
Pour the entire bottle of Caesar dressing over the chicken, followed by the chicken broth.
4
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
5
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
6
Stir the uncooked pasta into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker.
7
Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, about 20-30 minutes on high.
8
Stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
9
Add the chopped chicken back to the slow cooker along with the chopped fresh parsley. Stir to combine.
10
Let the pasta stand for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
11
Serve warm, garnished with more fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat chicken breasts dry and season with garlic powder before adding to the slow cooker to develop deeper flavor without extra sodium.
Stir the cream cheese in gradually at the end rather than adding it all at once to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; add it back if the dish seems too thick after reheating.
Add fresh lemon zest and parsley just before serving to brighten the rich Caesar flavor and maintain color.

Substitutions

Creamy Caesar dressing → homemade Caesar sauce (2 cups mayo, 4 tbsp Worcestershire, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard)
Rotini → penne or fettuccine (adjust cooking time slightly based on pasta thickness)
Cream cheese → heavy cream or sour cream (use 1/2 cup; sauce will be slightly thinner)
Parmesan cheese → Pecorino Romano (sharper flavor; use same amount)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Equipment

slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)

Common Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken breasts work well in a slow cooker. Increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on low, or cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally before shredding.

When should I add the pasta to avoid it becoming mushy?

Add the pasta during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking on low heat (or the last 20-30 minutes on high). This prevents overcooking while allowing it to absorb the Caesar sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead and reheat it?

Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Heavy cream or sour cream work as replacements. Use 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream instead of 8 oz cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?

Cube the cream cheese before adding it in the final stage and stir gently until fully melted. Avoid boiling the sauce; keep the slow cooker on low heat when incorporating dairy.