The Juiciest Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crock pot salsa ranch chicken pasta delivers pure comfort.

ranch seasoning and zesty salsa merge in a creamy, flavor-packed dish that turns ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.

Tender chicken falls apart with the gentlest touch, soaking up every delicious seasoning.

The slow cooker works its magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that guarantees maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Pantry staples transform into a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together effortlessly.

Cheese melts into the sauce, adding a rich, velvety texture that makes every bite irresistible.

Serve this crowd-pleasing pasta and watch faces light up with pure culinary delight.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh chicken will cook faster than frozen chicken.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the type of salsa you use. Choose a mild salsa if you prefer less heat, or a medium or hot salsa for more kick.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup to make this dish gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

• Do I need to drain the salsa before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, add the salsa directly from the jar. The liquid helps create a flavorful sauce and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.

Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta – Easy and Flavorful

• Spice Up Appetizers: Transform your typical snack into a zesty, crowd-pleasing treat that brings bold flavors and excitement to any gathering.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Create restaurant-quality appetizers with minimal cooking skills, using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that anyone can follow.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different meats or cheeses to match personal preferences, making these straws adaptable for various taste buds and dietary needs.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Serve these gorgeous, golden-twisted pastry straws that look professionally made but require minimal culinary expertise to prepare.

Ingredients List for Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Frozen chicken that will be the protein base for this creamy pasta dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Salsa, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing: Provides rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the pasta.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and smooth consistency to the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic punch.

• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides a hearty base for the dish.

Slow Cooker Instructions for Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place frozen chicken breasts into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. This will be the foundation of your delicious meal.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Salsa
• Minced garlic

Mix these components thoroughly to create a zesty sauce.

Step 3: Coat Chicken

Pour the prepared salsa mixture over the frozen chicken breasts, ensuring they are completely covered.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Pasta

About 30 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, boil rotini pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces or cut into chunks using two forks.

Step 7: Add Creamy Elements

• Sour cream
• Hidden Valley Ranch dressing

Into the existing cream of chicken and salsa mixture, creating a rich and tangy sauce.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir in the prepared rotini pasta.

Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the creamy, savory chicken pasta and savor every delicious bite!

Helpful Tips for Making Flavorful Crock Pot Chicken Pasta

• Use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker to save time and prevent last-minute thawing.
• Whisk sour cream and ranch dressing at the end to create a rich, tangy sauce that coats every pasta bite.
• This recipe works perfectly for busy weeknights, taking minimal prep time and delivering maximum flavor.
• Swap chicken with turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick variation on the original recipe.
• Shred or chunk the chicken to ensure even distribution and better sauce absorption throughout the dish.

Flavor Variations to Switch Up Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace salsa with chipotle salsa and add diced green chilies for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Bean Pasta: Swap chicken with black beans or lentils, use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace rotini pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles and use gluten-free cream soup.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Substitute ranch dressing with Greek yogurt, add oregano, and use diced tomatoes instead of salsa.

Pairing Ideas to Enhance Your Chicken Pasta Dish

• Spice Up the Plate: Pair zesty jalapeño cornbread with this creamy chicken pasta to complement its southwestern flavors and add a delightful crunch.
• Cool Down the Heat: Serve a crisp cucumber and dill salad alongside the dish to balance the rich, tangy sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the salsa's brightness and cut through the creamy ranch elements.
• Garnish Greatness: Top the pasta with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of queso fresco to elevate the mexican-inspired taste profile and add vibrant color.

Best Storage Methods for Leftover Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers. Will stay good for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting crock pot salsa ranch chicken pasta delivers bold southwestern flavors with minimal effort. Creamy, zesty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 5 chicken breasts (frozen)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup salsa (mild, Herdez brand)
• 12 cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
• 10.5 ounces (296 grams) cream of chicken soup

Dairy:

• 12 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Position frozen chicken breasts at the base of a spacious 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Craft a zesty sauce by blending cream of chicken soup, salsa, and freshly minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
3. Generously drench the chicken with the prepared salsa mixture.
4. Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours.
5. Approximately 30 minutes before the cooking cycle concludes, boil rotini pasta according to package guidelines.
6. Extract the fully cooked chicken and transform it into bite-sized shreds or tender chunks.
7. Elevate the sauce’s creaminess by whisking in sour cream and ranch dressing directly into the slow cooker’s existing liquid.
8. Reintegrate the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce.
9. Incorporate the freshly prepared rotini pasta, ensuring thorough and even coating with the rich sauce.
10. Plate the aromatic dish and savor the delectable combination of flavors.

Notes

• Swap frozen chicken for fresh cuts if preferred, ensuring even cooking by arranging pieces in a single layer.
• Use low-sodium salsa and cream of chicken soup to control salt content for health-conscious eaters.
• Consider gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice rotini for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add extra protein by sprinkling shredded cheese or diced cooked bacon on top before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg