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Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole

Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole

Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole is a cozy, hands-off slow cooker meal combining tender bowtie pasta with creamy sauce, chicken, veggies, and a cheesy finish. It’s perfect for busy days, customizable to your taste, and great for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (uncooked)

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Cheese Blend

  • 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan cheese blend

Creamy Base

  • 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Vegetables

  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or milk (to thin the sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop vegetables and shred the cheese if needed. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside seasonings and creamy base for easy layering.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine sour cream or cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth or milk. Mix well to create a creamy sauce to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
  3. Assemble in Crock Pot: Layer the chicken pieces, chopped vegetables, uncooked bowtie pasta, and pour the sauce evenly over all ingredients in the crock pot.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible, until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the cheese blend evenly over the top, cover again, and let it melt until gooey and delicious.

Notes

  • Use fresh pasta for faster cooking, as it softens more quickly than dried pasta.
  • Add cheese near the end of cooking to keep it creamy and prevent overcooking.
  • If casserole looks dry during cooking, add a splash of broth or milk to maintain moisture.
  • Chop veggies and pre-mix sauces ahead of time to streamline assembly.
  • Leftover shredded chicken can be used to reduce prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Nutrition

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