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Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta : Bold & Cheesy


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: Up to 7 hours 15 minutes

Description

Craving a flavorful, hearty, and easy weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself


Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne work best)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the chicken and base
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Slow cook the chicken
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 3: Shred the chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir.

Step 4: Add the pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Cover again and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally if your slow cooker runs hot to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese and sour cream (if using) until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and garnish
Scoop into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado.

Notes

  • Add pasta at the end: Cooking pasta the entire time will make it mushy.
  • Stir occasionally: This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • Use hearty pasta shapes: Rotini, penne, and elbows hold up well.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 4–7 hours (depending on setting)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta