Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti
This slow cooker cream cheese chicken ziti is one of those effortless comfort food dinners that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when in reality, your crockpot does all the work. Inspired by classic Midwestern cream cheese chicken and cozy Italian-American baked pasta, this recipe creates the perfect balance of rich tomato sauce and creamy, tangy goodness.
With just 4 simple ingredients, this dish delivers tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked ziti, and a luscious red-sauce-meets-cream-cheese sauce that clings to every bite. It’s an ideal weeknight slow cooker meal, especially when you want something reliable, filling, and crowd-pleasing with minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Only 4 ingredients budget-friendly and pantry-based
Hands-off slow cooker recipe perfect for busy days
Family-friendly comfort food mild, creamy, and kid-approved
One-pot pasta dinner fewer dishes, less cleanup
Great for meal prep leftovers reheat beautifully
Customizable easy to adapt with different pasta or chicken cuts
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American-Italian
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Ingredients:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and slightly softened
24-ounce jar marinara or pasta sauce
12 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked
Instructions:
Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon a little sauce on top to coat lightly.
Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the chicken. No need to be precise they’ll melt as the dish cooks.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir well until the cream cheese and marinara form a smooth, creamy sauce.
Stir in the remaining marinara sauce, then add the uncooked ziti. Gently mix until the pasta is mostly submerged. Add ¼–½ cup water if needed.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.
Let the ziti rest for 5 minutes to thicken. Taste and season if desired, then serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this creamy chicken ziti with a crisp green salad and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables also make excellent sides. Add crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up every drop of sauce.
Variations & Pro Tips:
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni
Choose a garlic- and herb-seasoned marinara for more flavor
Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan at the end for a baked-pasta feel
Reheat leftovers with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce
