Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Cook Time: 180 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 (32-ounce) carton reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (16-ounce) bottle creamy Caesar salad dressing
• 1 pound dried rotini pasta
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Crushed red pepper, to taste (optional)
• Capers for topping, to taste (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare all the ingredients. Spray the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and lemon zest.

Step 3: Pour the chicken broth and Caesar dressing over the chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken is well-coated.

Step 4: Cover and cook on Low for 5 hours or on High for 2.5 hours. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165F (74C).

Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: While the chicken is cooling, add the dried rotini pasta to the slow cooker with the Caesar dressing mixture. Stir well.

Step 7: Cover and cook the pasta on High for 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 8: Stir in the cream cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 9: Add the shredded chicken and chopped parsley to the slow cooker. Stir until well combined. Turn off the slow cooker and let the mixture sit uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

Step 10: Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper, capers, and/or serve with lemon wedges for added freshness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 960
• Total Fat: 65g (84% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 17g (86% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 203mg (68% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1647mg (72% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 60g (120% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 5mg (6% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 189mg (15% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (22% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 657mg (14% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta

The origins of Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta trace back to a fusion of classic Italian flavors with modern American convenience cooking. Caesar salad, invented in the 1920s by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico, became a household favorite for its creamy dressing and crisp textures. Over time, home cooks began experimenting with these flavors in warm, comforting dishes. By combining Caesar dressing, tender chicken, and pasta in a slow cooker, this recipe evolved into a hearty, hands-off meal that maintains the rich taste of the original salad while adding the convenience of slow-cooked preparation.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is particularly popular in the United States, especially in suburban households where slow cookers are a staple. The recipe reflects American comfort food tendencies: creamy sauces, generous portions, and one-pot simplicity. While the Caesar flavoring originates from Italian-Mexican cuisine, the adaptation into a warm pasta dish is distinctly American. Regional variations may include the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or even bacon, reflecting the tendency to customize slow cooker meals according to local tastes and seasonal ingredients.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional pasta dishes such as Alfredo or Carbonara, Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta emphasizes the distinctive tangy, garlicky Caesar dressing rather than a purely cheese-based sauce. While it shares similarities with chicken Alfredo pasta in its creaminess and inclusion of protein, the use of lemon zest, capers, and the signature Caesar dressing creates a unique flavor profile. Additionally, slow cooking allows the chicken to remain exceptionally tender while blending seamlessly with the pasta and saucea texture difference not achieved by conventional stovetop recipes.

Typical Serving Settings

Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta is often served as a family dinner or a casual gathering dish, where convenience and flavor are both priorities. It is a popular choice for potlucks, weekend meals, or any situation where a filling, crowd-pleasing entre is needed without constant attention. Restaurants and cafes that focus on comfort foods or modern American cuisine may also offer variations of this dish, often garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for visual appeal and added flavor.

Interesting Facts

• Despite its modern American twist, the dish pays homage to Caesar Cardinis original creation, which was inspired by limited kitchen ingredients and a desire for simplicity.
• The slow cooker adaptation allows the flavors to meld over several hours, enhancing the traditional Caesar dressing with a deep, rich creaminess that cold salad versions cannot achieve.
• Adding cream cheese to the sauce is a uniquely American innovation, creating an ultra-creamy texture that differs from classic Italian pasta recipes.
• The recipes use of rotini pasta, with its spiral shape, helps capture and hold the sauce better than long noodles like spaghetti, making each bite flavorful.
• Optional toppings such as capers and lemon wedges not only add visual appeal but also introduce a subtle briny and acidic contrast that brightens the overall dish.

FAQ about Crockpot Caesar Chicken Pasta Recipe