Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole
A simple, comforting Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole that combines tender bowtie pasta, savory chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy, hands-off slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy nights and customizable to fit any dietary preference or ingredient availability.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 1 to 1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed frozen vegetables
- Prep Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces. Measure out uncooked bowtie pasta. No need to pre-cook the pasta as it will cook in the crock pot.
- Combine Everything in the Crock Pot: Add chicken pieces, uncooked bowtie pasta, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine and ensure the pasta is fully submerged.
- Add Frozen Veggies: If using, stir in frozen peas or other frozen vegetables. They will thaw and cook alongside the pasta and chicken.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Check near the end to ensure pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through without excess liquid.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 10 to 15 minutes. For a bubbly golden top, optionally transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil briefly.
- Serve Warm: Once cheese is melted and gooey, scoop and serve the casserole warm. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushy noodles; 3 to 4 hours on low is ideal.
- Layer denser ingredients like chicken at the bottom to ensure even cooking.
- Use full-fat sour cream and cheese for the creamiest, richest casserole.
- If possible, stir gently halfway through cooking to distribute heat and flavors evenly.
- Cut chicken evenly to cook consistently and keep it moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crock pot casserole, slow cooker dinner, bowtie pasta casserole, chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one pot meal, creamy casserole