Crock Pot Chicken Rigatoni

This Crock Pot Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which uses shredded chicken and smoked gouda. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 4 hours and 55 minutes.

Crock Pot Chicken Rigatoni Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 pkt Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 16 oz rigatoni pasta
• 8 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
• 7 oz smoked gouda cheese, shredded

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Rigatoni

1. Load the Crock Pot: Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth to a 6-quart Crock Pot.
2. Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the Crock Pot.
4. Add pasta and cheese: Add the dry rigatoni pasta, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded gouda. Stir everything together.
5. Finish cooking: Sprinkle the remaining gouda cheese on top, cover, and cook on HIGH for another 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes, penne or ziti work well, but adjust the cook time slightly if needed.
• How to prevent overcooking the pasta: Stir and check the pasta texture after 30 minutes to avoid mushiness.
• Can I make this without cream cheese? You can substitute with more heavy cream, but it will be less thick and creamy.
• How to shred chicken easily: Use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding directly in the pot.
• Best way to reheat leftovers: Add a splash of broth or milk and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

What To Serve With Chicken Rigatoni

This rich, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with lighter sides:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• A fresh Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted vegetables

How To Store Chicken Rigatoni

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a bit of added broth or cream.

Freeze: Let the dish cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Chicken Rigatoni Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 768 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 203 mg
• Sodium: 1432 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the Crock Pot?
Yes, but you must extend the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Why is my pasta mushy?
This usually happens if the pasta is cooked too long or stirred too often. Aim for 45 minutes on HIGH and check texture early.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, peas, spinach, or mushrooms can be stirred in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
You can use light cream cheese, reduced-fat soup, and milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

How to make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
• Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini
• Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup