Creamy Crockpot Chicken Cavatappi with Provolone Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the creamiest result, use full-fat dairy products. Whole-milk ricotta and provolone melt more smoothly than low-fat versions.

If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk to loosen it. You can also add a handful of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes for extra color and nutrients.

To make this dish even more convenient, assemble the layers in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cook time if starting from cold. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the chicken for a spicy twist. The heat will infuse the sauce as it cooks.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They are more forgiving and stay juicy even with longer cooking times.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cavatappi or other short pasta shapes, and ensure your cream sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

This dish can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Cook as directed, then let it cool completely before refrigerating.

When ready to serve, reheat in a slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbling. Add a little milk or broth if needed.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy pasta hot, straight from the slow cooker or plated. It pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

This dish is satisfying on its own, but it also works as a side for grilled chicken or steak. For a family-style meal, bring the slow cooker to the table and let everyone serve themselves. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great option for meal prep.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Cavatappi with Provolone

Prep 15 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast tenderloins, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups roasted garlic Parmesan cream sauce
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breast tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread them into an even layer. Pour the cavatappi pasta over the chicken, then pour the roasted garlic Parmesan cream sauce over the pasta, making sure the pasta is mostly covered. Spoon the ricotta cheese in dollops over the top, then sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over everything.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. The sauce should be bubbling gently around the edges. Stir gently once halfway through cooking, if possible, to redistribute the sauce.
3. Once the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender, stir the mixture gently to combine all the layers. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the creamy pasta onto plates or into bowls, making sure to get a good amount of sauce and cheese with each serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

22 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.