Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Pasta With Asapargus

📝Shopping list

To make this incredible slow cooker Caesar chicken, you will need these simple ingredients:

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts thighs work well too!
• Caesar salad dressing store-bought or homemade
• whipped cream cheese
• chicken broth
• parmesan cheese grated
• Italian seasoning
• capers
• garlic minced
• 18 fresh pasta can use frozen too
• black pepper optional - to taste
• fresh asparagus optional but recommended! Cut into bite-sized pieces

🔪Instructions

This great recipe involves just a few simple steps:

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cooking

• 🍴Place chicken pieces into bottom of the slow cooker
• 🍴Add in all ingredients other than pasta and asparagus on top of the chicken and stir to combine
• 🍴Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 
• 🍴About 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken from slow cooker and set aside
• 🍴Stir fresh uncooked pasta and cut asparagus into the sauce in your slow cooker.  
• 🍴 Cover and allow to cook while you use two forks to shred the chicken
• 🍴Stir shredded chicken into ingredients in slow cooker
• 🍴Add pepper to taste, if needed
• 🍴When pasta is cooked through, serve promptly and enjoy!

🍽Serving suggestions

This creamy pasta dish is a full meal on its own!  However, you can round it out by serving with:

• A crusty loaf of bread
• Some simple salads featuring crunchy romaine lettuce to complement the Caesar flavors
• A warm veggie such as crock pot dijon cauliflower, garlic parmesan mushrooms, or maple vanilla carrots. 

🔁Substitutions

• Not a fan of capers?  Leave them out! 
• Swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Change out asparagus for other veggies if you aren't a fan.  Green beans, snap peas, and broccoli are all perfect with this great meal.
• Use your favorite pasta shape with this great dish!  Everything from angel hair pasta to fettuccini to penne pasta is great with this dish!
• Add your favorite garnish such as sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, or some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Use garlic powder in place of minced garlic in a pinch.
• Not a fan of shredded chicken?  Cut your chicken into bite-sized or smaller pieces and toss in the sauce.  

Storing

Store this amazing chicken caesar pasta in an airtight container or zipper top bag.  It is delicious the next day too! You can store this melt in your mouth caesar chicken for up to 3 days in the fridge.

You can also freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. When ready to serve, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating.  

😉Hints & hacks

1. All slow cookers cook differently.  Chicken can get dry and rubbery if it is overcooked.  The first time you make chicken, use a meat thermometer to confirm when it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.  This is FDA's recommended cooking temp for chicken.
2. Use a silicone or wooden spoon when mixing in your slow cooker to avoid scratching
3. This easy recipe works with breasts, thighs, or even a combination of both, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that breasts will always come out dryer than thighs.
4. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price. 
5. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
6. Always double-check that your slow cooker is plugged in and turned on!  Nothing is worse than a cold crockpot when you are ready to eat! 🤪