Description
Creamy crock pot salsa ranch chicken pasta delivers a southwestern flavor explosion that combines zesty ranch seasoning with bold salsa notes. Hearty comfort meets easy weeknight cooking, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, cut into cubes
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 jar (16 ounces / 454 grams) salsa
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in the crock pot to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Generously coat chicken with ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning, creating a zesty foundation for the meal.
- Pour salsa and chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, then strategically distribute cream cheese cubes for a rich, creamy texture.
- Slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.
- Carefully extract chicken from the sauce and meticulously shred using two forks, ensuring uniform pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the aromatic sauce, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot with salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain completely.
- Gently combine the creamy, seasoned chicken mixture with the cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Optional: Enhance the dish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped cilantro on top for added depth and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the dish is warm and the flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result that stays tender during slow cooking.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium salsa and reducing added salt when seasoning chicken.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free ranch mix, taco seasoning, and pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
- Enhance meal prep by freezing the completed dish in portions for quick future meals that reheat beautifully without losing texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg