This is an easy crockpot chicken dump meal that requires very little effort! Pink Sauce Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dinner. Juicy chicken simmers in a rich blend of both alfredo and marinara sauce (pink sauce) that coats every bite of pasta. Just dump into the slow cooker and stir in the pasta at the end to simmer before serving. A one-pot meal too for easy clean-up. Try this family-friendly meal this week!
Why you’ll love this recipe
I am truly a fan of any sort of dump and go meal, and this one marks all the boxes!
- It can even be a freezer prepped meal.
- I love both alfredo and marinara style Italian dishes, so I love that this combines both flavors!
- A literal “set it and forget it” meal. Chicken is such a great option for a dump meal, just like our dump and go burrito bowls! Cook it and at the end—add noodles
- Kid friendly— in my house, the bow tie pasta is a toddler favorite!
- Creamy + Cheesy
Ingredients in Crockpot Dump Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Breast – about 2 breasts (1.5 lbs)
- Marinara Sauce– your favorite kind. I used Prego. Sometimes I make my own with crushed tomatoes + seasonings. Here is an example marinara sauce recipe that you can make with crushed tomatoes. I like to use our Italian Seasoning in marinara sauce, plus add minced garlic and onion to taste.
- Alfredo Sauce – Use your favorite kind. I have tried the Rao’s kind Bertoli.
- Bowtie Pasta – I used bowtie in this recipe because my kids love that kind of pasta currently. You could definitely use Cavatappi or Penne too.
- Broth – I used chicken broth, or beef broth at the end when simmering the noodles.
- Shredded Parmesan – for a little extra flavor and taste.
Substitutions or Variations of Pink Sauce Pasta
- Cheese:
- top with Mozzarella Cheese at the end.
- add cream cheese at the end when adding the noodles. 4-8 oz cubed and stir until well combined for extra creaminess
- Base:
- try milk or half & half in place of broth for extra creaminess.
- Spice
- try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes
- minced garlic for more flavor
- minced onion or Italian seasoning
- Try with a different kind of noodle – read this article about pasta shapes and substitutions. It isn’t always apples to apples when subbing noodles.
- Veggie: add spinach, mushrooms or onions to the sauce.
How to Make Dump & Go Chicken Pasta
- In a large crockpot, dump:
2 chicken breast, trimmed
Marinara Sauce
Alfredo Sauce
Give a good stir and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred Chicken Breast
once cooked, remove chicken from crock and shred. Then return back to the crockpot.
- Add noodles and broth
Next, add the box of noodles, chicken broth, and parmesan. Let simmer on “low” for 30-45 minutes until noodles are soft.
- Enjoy!
Can sprinkle more parmesan on top and enjoy. Side with a salad or garlic toast.
Pink sauce is also called “Rosa Sauce” or “Tomfredo” sauce. It is simply a combination of alfredo and marinara sauce. Best of both worlds!
No, not in crockpot. It is not safe. Defrost in microwave or thaw before using. In an instapot, you could use frozen.
No, other good options are penne or cavatappi. BUT be sure you substitute the correct amounts as each one is a different volume.
Yes- just use stove top. Be sure to simmer the chicken long enough that it is cooked through. You could also bake it. Then add cooked noodles at the end.
Add 4-8 oz of cream cheese, cubed, at the end when adding noodles. Stir well to be sure it is melted through. OR add half & half or heavy cream in place of chicken broth.
Yes. To freeze, dump the sauces and chicken breast in a gallon freezer bag. Thaw and follow instructions as recipe says (adding noodles, broth and cheese at end). OR freeze already prepared–pasta could get mushy when thawed – may need to add a little milk or cream when warming in microwave to make creamy again.
Tips for Success
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for easy shredding
- If using a crockpot liner, remove chicken from crockpot to shred (trust me, I learned from experience!!)
- Add cream cheese towards the end if you’d like a thicker, creamy, sauce
Video of Dump & Go Pink Sauce Chicken Pasta
What to serve with Crockpot Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Toast (freezer section or make your own)
- Side Salad
- Roasted or Steamed Veggies
Follow along for more recipes like Pink Sauce Chicken Pasta
Follow ‘Recipes from French Creek’ on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest for more recipe inspiration. If you try our recipe, please leave a comment or rating below – we would appreciate it! -Bobbi Jo
More Recipes To Try:
- Italian Beef Penne in a Skillet – red sauce and made with ground beef
- Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta – creamy and kid friendly!
- Another one-pan meal: Chicken Tuscan Pasta. It has a delicious flavor!
Crockpot Pink Sauce Chicken Pasta (Dump & Go Meal)
Equipment
- 1 large crockpot 6-8 qt
- measuring cup
- crockpot liner for easy clean-up optional
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 15 oz jar alfredo sauce favorite kind
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 12 oz box bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a 6 or 8 qt crockpot dump your sauces and trimmed chicken breast. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breast from the crockpot and shred with forks or meat shredded claws. Return back to the sauce.
- Add 1 cup of broth and box of bowtie noodles. Stir well and let simmer for 30-45 minutes on "low" until noodles are soft.
- Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy.
Oh my gosh, can’t wait to try this!! 🤤🤤
It is a nice easy meal to make! Perfect for a busy night- let me know what you think!
This is an easy meal that I can “set and forget” – plus the kids like it.