If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s high in protein, low in effort, and something your kids will actually eat, this Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is it. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep time, this recipe has become a staple in our house — and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a creamy blend of marinara and Alfredo sauce, tossed with penne pasta and melted cheese on top. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced — a little comfort food that still fits into a high-protein lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein: Made with lean chicken breast and cheese for a hearty, muscle-friendly meal.
Kid-approved: Even my picky eaters love this creamy, cheesy pasta.
Few ingredients: Just six simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
No-fuss prep: The slow cooker does all the work for you!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
1 (12 oz) box penne noodles (use gluten-free if needed)
1 cup Italian cheese blend
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock-Pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Pour the marinara and Alfredo sauces over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 5–7 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred the chicken directly in the Crock-Pot and stir it into the sauce.
Cook the penne pasta separately according to package directions, then drain and mix it into the creamy chicken sauce.
Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend on top and let it melt for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add in spinach or broccoli for extra veggies and color.
Use protein pasta for an extra boost of nutrition.
This reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

This Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a busy-weeknight dinner: easy, filling, and family-friendly. It’s proof that eating high-protein meals doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor — or making a separate meal for your kids!