Save This Recipe
In the heart of the Midwest, there’s an unspoken rule: when the wind howls and the chores are done, you need something bubbling away to make it all feel right. Growing up, that something was always Mom’s chicken pot pie — flaky crust, steamy filling, the whole works. It took forever, though, and truth be told, some nights I just don’t have that kind of time.
So here’s what I do instead: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. All the cozy goodness, none of the fuss. You toss it together, go about your day — check the garden, feed the chickens, fold the laundry you swore you’d put away two days ago — and come suppertime? The whole house smells like a warm hug.
Why You’ll Love This One
I mean, who wouldn’t?
-
Set it and forget it: The slow cooker is your secret weapon here.
-
Same pot pie flavor: Creamy, rich, loaded with veggies — just in noodle form.
-
Easy on the wallet: Frozen veggies, leftover chicken — done.
-
Picky eater proof: Even my grandkids scrape the pot clean.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy — just good, honest pantry stuff:
-
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped up (grab a rotisserie if you’re in a pinch)
-
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (don’t sweat if you’ve got just one or the other)
-
1 cup frozen corn (I’ve been known to toss in more — who’s counting)
-
1 small onion, chopped nice and fine
-
3 garlic cloves, minced (I don’t measure garlic with a ruler, do you?)
-
3 cups chicken broth
-
1 cup heavy cream (or milk if that’s what’s in the fridge)
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened (don’t skip this — it’s the magic)
-
1 tsp dried thyme
-
1 tsp dried parsley
-
Salt & pepper, to taste (taste it before serving — always)
-
8 oz egg noodles (or bowties, shells — whatever’s in the pantry)
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional but so worth it)
How to Make It (No Stress)
Alright — pull out that slow cooker with the crack in the handle (I know you’ve got one).
-
Pile it in: Chicken, peas, carrots, corn, onion, garlic — all in.
-
Add the liquids: Pour in broth and heavy cream. Give it a stir.
-
Cream cheese magic: Drop in the softened cream cheese in big spoonfuls — it’ll melt as it cooks.
-
Season it up: Sprinkle thyme, parsley, a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it one more time.
-
Lid on, feet up: Set to low for 4–6 hours. Go live your life — the slow cooker’s got this.
-
Pasta time: About 30 mins before you’re ready to holler “Supper’s ready!”, cook your noodles per the box. Drain.
-
Stir it all together: Add noodles and Parmesan to the slow cooker — mix it around till every noodle’s wearing that creamy sauce like a blanket.
-
Taste & tweak: More salt? More cheese? A little pepper? Go for it.
What to Serve with It
This stuff’s hearty, but you know how we Midwesterners are — we like a proper plate.
-
A crisp green salad: Maybe with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes from your garden — if the rabbits didn’t get to them first.
-
Good bread: Something crusty to soak up the sauce — or soft dinner rolls like Grandma used to bake.
-
Sweet finish: Apple pie, peach cobbler, or just plain ol’ vanilla ice cream. We’ve earned it.
Leftovers — If You’re Lucky
Got any left? You must have teenagers who eat like birds.
-
Store it in an airtight container up to 4 days — fridge only, don’t freeze pasta in sauce unless you like mush.
-
Reheat with a splash of milk so it doesn’t dry out — microwave or low oven, your pick.
Make It Your Own — Little Twists
-
Go lighter: Use milk, low-fat cream cheese — nobody’ll notice.
-
More veggies: Green beans, broccoli, mushrooms — whatever’s lurking in the crisper.
-
Spice it up: Dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if your crowd likes a kick.
-
Fresh touch: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving — makes it look fancy, like you worked all day.
Before You Head Back to Real Life
Well, that’s all she wrote — for now. If you make this, I’d sure love to hear how it turned out. Did the kids clean their plates? Did you tweak it with something clever I oughta try? Drop a comment or shoot me a note — I’ll be reading with my feet up and a cup of tea (or maybe a second helping).
Till next time — keep that slow cooker humming, keep the table full, and don’t forget: sometimes the simplest suppers make the sweetest memories.