Looking for a delicious, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table? This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake combines tender chicken, pillowy cheese-filled ravioli, and a blend of rich, gooey cheeses all baked together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a hectic weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe promises comfort and satisfaction. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together—perfect for those days when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce :
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is more than just a delicious pasta dish; it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luscious, tangy cream sauce that perfectly coats each strand of spaghetti.
- Nutritious and Flavorful: Fresh spinach adds a healthy touch and a vibrant green color, while the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes provide a delightful burst of flavor and a hint of heat.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite proteins, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it even heartier and more satisfying.
- Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this elegant yet simple pasta dish. The beautiful presentation and delicious flavors make it a perfect choice for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Now that you’re excited to make this delectable pasta dish, let’s get started with the recipe!
1. Introduction
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake is a true lifesaver for families with busy schedules. With minimal preparation and a set-it-and-forget-it approach, this dish allows you to come home to a delicious, bubbling meal that’s bursting with creamy cheese, juicy chicken, and soft ravioli. Not only does this meal warm the soul, but it’s also easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and add-ins like vegetables.
Meta Description: Discover a family-friendly, easy-to-make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights with tender chicken, cheesy ravioli, and a rich, creamy sauce.
2. Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake
To make this comforting dish, you’ll need simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (25 oz) bag of frozen cheese ravioli (or refrigerated if you prefer)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (15 oz) jar of Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to precook them—the long, slow cooking time will make them tender and easy to shred later.
2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. This sauce will coat the chicken and ravioli, ensuring each bite is creamy and flavorful.
3: Layer the Ingredients
- Add half of the frozen or refrigerated cheese ravioli over the chicken.
- Pour half of the sauce over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
- Add the remaining ravioli, then pour the rest of the sauce over the top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
4: Cook in the Crockpot
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the ravioli is tender.
5: Shred the Chicken
- Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the cheesy ravioli mixture.
6: Serve
- Scoop the cheesy chicken and ravioli onto plates, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy!
4. Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
What makes this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake a perfect weeknight dinner? It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is incredibly satisfying. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming a few simple ingredients into a rich, creamy dish. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, making it a great option for family meals.
5. Customization Options: Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can customize it:
- Cheese Variations: Love bold flavors? Try swapping out the mozzarella or cheddar for gouda, provolone, or even spicy pepper jack for a kick of heat.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli during the layering process to add a nutritional boost and extra texture.
- Pasta Swaps: If you’re out of ravioli, use tortellini or any other stuffed pasta as a delicious substitute.
- Healthier Alternatives: Use low-fat cheeses and lighter versions of the Alfredo sauce and cream of chicken soup for a lighter version of this dish.
6. Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
While this dish is indulgent and cheesy, you can still incorporate some healthy elements. By adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, you can boost the fiber and nutrient content. Chicken breasts provide a lean protein source, and using low-sodium chicken broth or low-fat cheese can help reduce the calorie and sodium intake without compromising flavor.
7. How to Serve and Store Leftovers
Serving Suggestions: Pair this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread also makes a great addition to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick, easy lunch or dinner.
8. FAQ: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake
Q1: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh ravioli, monitor the cooking time, as fresh pasta may cook faster than frozen ravioli.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli during the layering process.
Q3: Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the entire dish the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the slow cooker insert back in the crockpot and cook as directed.
Q4: Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs, ground beef, or turkey for a different protein option.
Q5: How do I prevent the ravioli from becoming too soft?
If you’re using refrigerated ravioli, check the dish after 2 hours if cooking on high, or 4 hours on low, to ensure they don’t become mushy.
Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After cooling, store the bake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
9. Conclusion
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake is the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a simple weeknight meal or hosting a family dinner, this dish has you covered. The combination of tender chicken, soft ravioli, and gooey cheese is irresistible, and with its customization options, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today for a hassle-free meal that’s packed with cheesy goodness!
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 25 oz Bag frozen cheese ravioli (or refrigerated if you prefer)
- 10.5 oz Can cream of chicken soup
- 15 oz Jar of Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Pour half of the ravioli over the chicken, then add half of the prepared sauce on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese over the sauce.
- Add the remaining ravioli, pour the rest of the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the ravioli is tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir everything together so the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve:
- Scoop the cheesy chicken and ravioli onto plates, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color (optional).
Notes
Add vegetables: You can toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
Make it ahead: This dish can be prepped the night before, stored in the fridge, and then cooked the next day.
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Ravioli Bake is an easy, cheesy, and comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for any night when you want a fuss-free dinner with tons of flavor! 🧀🍗