This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabbiata takes classic Italian flavors to the next level by combining spicy arrabbiata sauce with a luscious creamy finish. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with rich tomato flavors, a subtle heat from red pepper flakes, and an irresistibly smooth texture from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy Italian-inspired feast, this dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts and drizzle with olive oil.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir in the Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The History and Origins of Arrabbiata Sauce
Arrabbiata sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine, originating from the Lazio region of Italy, particularly Rome. The word “arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, referring to the sauce’s fiery heat from red pepper flakes. Traditionally, this spicy tomato-based sauce is served with pasta, such as penne arrabbiata, and is loved for its bold, zesty flavors. While classic arrabbiata sauce is made with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabbiata recipe takes it a step further by slow-cooking chicken in the sauce and adding heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture. This Italian-inspired comfort dish combines the best of spicy tomato sauce and creamy, tender chicken, making it a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
- Using a slow cooker, you can set everything up in just 10 minutes and let it cook low and slow for a tender, juicy chicken dish.
- Perfectly Balanced Spicy and Creamy Flavors
- Arrabbiata sauce is known for its spicy kick, but adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy, slightly sweet contrast that balances the heat beautifully.
- Healthier Than Takeout – Made with Simple Ingredients
- This homemade creamy arrabbiata sauce contains no preservatives or artificial flavors, making it a healthier choice compared to restaurant versions.
- Extremely Versatile – Serve It Your Way!
- Serve over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make It Once, Enjoy All Week
- This slow cooker chicken stores well and is great for leftovers. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop!
What Makes This Creamy Chicken Arrabbiata Special?
Slow Cooking = More Flavor & Tender Chicken
Cooking chicken low and slow in a rich, spicy tomato sauce results in fall-apart tender, juicy chicken that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Unlike stovetop or oven-baked chicken, slow cooking keeps it moist and flavorful.
A Creamy Twist on Classic Arrabbiata
Traditional arrabbiata sauce is purely tomato-based and spicy, but this recipe introduces a creamy element, making it richer and more indulgent. The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and slow-cooked chicken takes the dish to another level.
Bold Italian Flavors Without the Work
This dish gives you all the flavors of a gourmet Italian meal with minimal effort. The garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes infuse the sauce with authentic Italian taste, while the slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
How to Make the Best Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabbiata
1. Use Fresh Ingredients for the Best Flavor
- Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes for a rich, naturally sweet sauce.
- Fresh garlic and onions add depth to the flavor.
2. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference
- Love spice? Add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers.
- Prefer a milder sauce? Reduce the red pepper or add an extra splash of heavy cream to mellow out the heat.
3. Don’t Skip the Cream & Parmesan
- The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese add richness, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that complements the spiciness.
4. Shred the Chicken for Better Texture
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker so it soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
5. Let It Rest for Extra Flavor
- After cooking, let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld together even more.
How to Serve This Dish
This slow cooker creamy chicken arrabbiata is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:
- Over Pasta:
- The classic way to serve arrabbiata sauce! Toss it with penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni for a restaurant-quality meal.
- With Crusty Bread:
- Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread to scoop up the rich sauce.
- With Rice or Quinoa:
- A great option if you want a gluten-free alternative.
- Over Mashed Potatoes:
- The creamy chicken and spicy tomato sauce pair beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes.
- Low-Carb Option – Over Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice:
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, serve over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs About Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabbiata
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier and more flavorful.
Can I cook this dish in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the pressure cook setting on high for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release, then stir in the cream and Parmesan.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.
Conclusion
If you love bold, rich Italian flavors, this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Arrabbiata is a must-try. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is great for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even special occasions. This recipe gives you a gourmet Italian-style dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite comfort meal!