This Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! It starts with my homemade Cowboy Butter Seasoning, the flavorful seasoning blend I use to make my popular Cowboy Butter. It gives the chicken and creamy sauce so much flavor with very little work.
Everything cooks together in the crockpot, then cooked rotini and cheese are stirred in at the end. It is an easy dinner with tender chicken, creamy sauce, corn, and black beans in every bite!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well because they shred easily after slow cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used.
- Rotel: Adds tomatoes, green chiles, and a little heat. Use mild or original depending on how much heat you like.
- Corn: Adds a little sweetness and texture. Canned corn is convenient, but frozen corn can also be used.
- Black beans: Add heartiness and texture. Pinto beans would also work.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy base for the sauce. I recommend using regular cream of chicken soup for the best consistency.
- Cream cheese: Makes the sauce creamy and rich. Full-fat cream cheese melts best, but reduced-fat can be used.
- Chicken broth: Helps create the sauce and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. Low-sodium broth works well.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be used.
- Cowboy Butter Seasoning: This is the main seasoning for the dish and adds lots of flavor. You can add more after the chicken is shredded, if desired.
- Garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper: Add extra savory flavor to the sauce. Adjust the garlic salt to taste, especially if your broth or other ingredients are salty.
- Mexican blend cheese: Melts into the pasta for a creamy, cheesy finish. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack can be substituted.
- Rotini: Use cooked rotini, prepared before adding it to the crockpot. It is stirred in at the end so it doesn’t become overcooked or mushy. Penne or another short pasta can also be used.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh finish and is optional. You can leave it off or use chopped green onions instead.
Tips for Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta
- Cook the pasta separately. Cook the rotini according to the package directions while the chicken is cooking. Drain and set aside. Add it to the crockpot only at the end so it does not become mushy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Taste the sauce after shredding the chicken and add more Cowboy Butter Seasoning if preferred.
- Make sure the cream cheese melts completely. Stir the chicken and sauce well after shredding so the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth before adding the pasta.
- Don’t skip the resting time. Let the pasta sit in the crockpot for 5 to 10 minutes after adding the cheese. This gives the cheese time to melt and the sauce time to come together.
FAQs
Do I cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes! Cook the rotini separately according to the package directions, then drain it. Add the cooked pasta at the end of cooking so it stays tender without becoming mushy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of the chicken breasts. They will stay tender and shred easily after slow cooking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, bow ties, or another short pasta can be used. Just make sure the pasta is cooked separately and added at the end.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack would all work well in place of the Mexican blend cheese.
Can I make this without Cowboy Butter Seasoning?
The Cowboy Butter Seasoning gives this pasta much of its flavor, so I recommend using it. It is the seasoning base for my popular Cowboy Butter and works especially well with the creamy chicken and vegetables in this recipe.
What to Serve with Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also goes well with a few simple sides. Try it with:
- Green salad: A crisp, simple side salad adds something fresh alongside the creamy pasta.
- Garlic breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, roasted parmesan green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts make easy side dishes.
- Cornbread: A warm piece of homemade cornbread (or cornbread muffins) is a cozy match for this creamy, flavorful pasta.
How to Store Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta
Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended. The cream cheese-based sauce and cooked pasta can change in texture after freezing and reheating.
Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained, rinsed
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1 cup (8 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cowboy Butter Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a crockpot.
- Add the Rotel, corn, black beans, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, and garlic.
- Sprinkle the Cowboy Butter Seasoning, garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the top.
- Cover and cook on High for 3 hours or Low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked rotini and shredded Mexican blend cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
- Cover and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
Love your recipes and although I haven’t tried this one yet, I have a general comment. It would be sooooooo helpful if you could list the number of servings on your recipes. Other than that, I love getting your recipes and reading your stories!!
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much! 😊 I actually do list the number of servings on my recipes. You can find it in the recipe card at the bottom. For this Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta, the recipe makes 8 servings. I hope that helps, and thank you for following along and trying my recipes!