Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta
This Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta is a comforting, one-pot meal made in the slow cooker. Tender chicken is cooked in a creamy, tangy salsa ranch sauce, then mixed with pasta for a hearty and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 lb uncooked pasta (rotini or penne work well)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Place them in the crock pot.
- Add Flavors: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning mix over the chicken. Add the salsa, chicken broth, and cream cheese cubes.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir well.
- Prepare the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain. Alternatively, you can stir the uncooked pasta into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you prefer a one-pot method.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the pasta with the creamy chicken mixture. If using, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a one-pot version, add the uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking, ensuring enough liquid is in the crock pot.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by stirring in a little extra chicken broth if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Find it online: https://www.cookflash.com/crock-pot-salsa-ranch-chicken-pasta/