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Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta

Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: About 6-8 hours
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

A slow cooker meal that requires minimal prep, this dish combines zesty salsa, creamy ranch, and juicy shredded chicken into a rich, flavorful sauce. Tossed with rotini pasta, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Sauce:

  • 5 frozen chicken breasts
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on preference)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup Hidden Valley® Ranch dressing

For the Pasta:

  • 1 (16-ounce) box rotini pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Optional Toppings:

 

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice
  • Crushed tortilla chips for crunch

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

  1. Place frozen chicken breasts into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, salsa, and minced garlic.
  3. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  2. Once cooked, remove chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken & Make the Sauce

  1. Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Whisk sour cream and ranch dressing into the salsa mixture in the slow cooker until smooth.
  3. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

  1. Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring until fully combined.
  2. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
  3. Serve warm, topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips if desired.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and mix with fresh pasta before serving.
  • Freezing Instructions: Freeze the shredded chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Spice Level: Adjust spice by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa. Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Pasta Alternative: Substitute penne, bowtie, or fusilli pasta if desired.

 

  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) + 10 minutes (pasta)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g