Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight
Indulge in our Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight, a hearty dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a velvety sauce made from cream cheese and low-sodium cream of chicken soup. Infused with zesty Italian dressing seasoning, this slow-cooked meal brings together wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying flavor that will please the whole family. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe can be served alone or topped with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra touch of richness. Serve alongside your favorite veggies, and you have a complete meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious.
8
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
2 lbs (boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Fat-Free Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Low-Sodium Cream of Chicken Soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (none)
Zesty Italian Dressing Seasoning
1 (2/3 ounce) packet (none)
Rotini Pasta
16 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Milk
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, blend together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, milk, and zesty Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
2
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold the chicken pieces into the sauce mixture in the crock pot, ensuring they are well-coated.
3
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4
About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5
Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the drained rotini pasta to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6
Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired for a creamy, savory finish.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
28g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring seasoned chicken in a velvety sauce made from cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and zesty Italian seasoning.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from fat-free cream cheese, low-sodium cream of chicken soup, milk, and zesty Italian dressing seasoning.
How long does it take to cook in the crock pot?
It should be cooked on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 16 ounces of rotini pasta.
When should I add the pasta to the slow cooker?
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the crock pot once the chicken is fully cooked, just before serving.
Is the cream cheese used in this recipe fat-free?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 8 ounces of softened fat-free cream cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 24 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in a serving of this pasta?
One serving contains about 9 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot?
Yes, the rotini pasta should be cooked separately according to package instructions until al dente before being added.
Can I garnish this dish with cheese?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
What type of soup is required?
You will need two 10 3/4 ounce cans of low-sodium cream of chicken soup.
What seasoning is used to give it an Italian flavor?
A 2/3 ounce packet of zesty Italian dressing seasoning is used for the flavor profile.
Do I need to add milk?
Yes, 1 cup of milk is used to help blend the sauce components.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While rotini is recommended for holding the sauce, you can use other shapes like penne or fusilli.
What side dishes go well with this chicken pasta?
It pairs perfectly with your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, because it is slow-cooked and requires minimal active prep, it is ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of fat-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese, though it will increase the fat and calorie content.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the chicken is added raw and cut into bite-sized pieces directly into the sauce mixture.
Is this dish considered kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy sauce and familiar pasta shape make it a hit with families and children.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the recipe?
The cream cheese should be softened before blending it with the soup and milk.
Can I cook this on the high setting?
While low is recommended for 4-6 hours, you can cook it on high for approximately 2-3 hours, checking for chicken tenderness.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The provided nutritional data does not list specific fiber content, but you can increase it by using whole-wheat pasta.
Is the sodium content high?
The recipe uses low-sodium cream of chicken soup to help manage the overall sodium levels.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Blend the soup, softened cream cheese, milk, and seasoning thoroughly before adding the chicken.
Can I add extra vegetables into the crock pot?
Yes, you could add mushrooms or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days.