Slow Cooker Mozzarella Garlic Chicken Bolognese Rigatoni

This slow cooker chicken rigatoni is the ultimate dump-and-forget dinner. Toss chicken, pasta, garlic tomato sauce, cream cheese, and mozzarella into the Crockpot, then walk away.

Hours later, you'll have a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake that tastes like you simmered it all day—but with only minutes of prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is comfort food at its easiest.

There are slow cooker recipes that require browning, sautéing, and multiple steps—and then there's this one. Just layer the ingredients in the crock, cover, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

The result is a rich, creamy, garlicky pasta with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni. It's a meal the whole family will love, and it's so simple you'll make it again and again.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while infusing the sauce with its juices. The low, slow heat gently cooks the chicken without drying it out, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Meanwhile, the rigatoni absorbs the tomato sauce and becomes perfectly al dente, not mushy. The cream cheese and mozzarella melt into a velvety, cheesy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.

This recipe is designed for convenience: no pre-cooking, no extra dishes, no babysitting. The ingredients are layered in the order they cook best, with the pasta and chicken on the bottom and the cheese on top.

As they cook, the flavors meld together into a harmonious, comforting dish. It's a foolproof method that delivers consistent results every time.

Notes and substitutions

Choose a good-quality roasted garlic tomato basil sauce for the best flavor—look for one with chunks of tomato and herbs. The cream cheese adds richness and tang, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. Whole-milk mozzarella melts best; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture, so shredding your own is recommended.

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. If using a smaller one, you may need to reduce the ingredients or cook in batches. The pasta will absorb a lot of liquid, so ensure there's enough sauce to cover it. You can substitute chicken thighs for breast meat if you prefer, and any short pasta shape works.

• chicken breast tenderloins: boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• rigatoni: penne, ziti, or other short pasta
• roasted garlic tomato basil sauce: any marinara or pasta sauce
• cream cheese: full-fat cream cheese is best; reduced-fat will work but may be less creamy

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving spoon
• Dinner plates