Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabiata: A Comforting High-Protein Meal
Looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dinner recipe that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabiata. This dish combines the bold flavors of traditional Arrabiata sauce with the creamy richness that elevates it to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With the Crockpot doing most of the work, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Bursting with Flavor: The bold tomato sauce, infused with garlic, onions, and red pepper flakes, is perfectly balanced by the creamy texture, creating a dish that’s rich and satisfying.
- High-Protein Meal: Packed with lean chicken and wholesome ingredients, this dish provides a significant protein boost, keeping you full and energized.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your preferred level of heat, making it enjoyable for everyone at the table.
- One-Pot Wonder: Using the Crockpot means fewer dishes to clean, adding to the convenience factor.
Ingredients
For this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 to 2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Arrabiata Sauce: 2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 to 2 teaspoons, depending on your spice preference
- Pasta: 12 ounces of your choice (penne or rigatoni work well)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and lightly sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
- Assemble the Crockpot: Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes to the Crockpot. Pour in the Arrabiata sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the sauce mixture in the Crockpot, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce’s flavors.
- Prepare the Pasta: About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Allow it to sit in the Crockpot for an additional 10–15 minutes on the warm setting to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabiata onto plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, paired with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese during the final 10 minutes of cooking for an even richer sauce.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of traditional pasta for a low-carb, high-protein variation.
- Seafood Twist: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood-inspired take on this creamy classic.
How to Serve
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabiata pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:
- Garlic Bread: Use it to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are excellent choices to round out the meal.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine or a medium-bodied red complements the robust flavors of the Arrabiata sauce.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabiata
Looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dinner recipe that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabiata. This dish combines the bold flavors of traditional Arrabiata sauce with the creamy richness that elevates it to a whole new level.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 to 2 pounds cut into bite-sized pieces
- Arrabiata Sauce: 2 cups store-bought or homemade
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 to 2 teaspoons adjust to taste
- Pasta: 12 ounces penne or rigatoni recommended
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Optionally, sear them in olive oil until golden brown for enhanced flavor.
- Add garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes to the Crockpot. Pour in Arrabiata sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Place the chicken into the Crockpot, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese into the Crockpot. Mix well and let it sit on the warm setting for 10–15 minutes.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
