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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta

by Sarah Olson on August 8, 2021 | Updated December 14, 2022 21 Comments

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Chicken enchilada pasta images with text of what the ingredients are.
collage of enchilada pasta images with text overlay for pinterest

If you love the flavors of chicken enchiladas, then you will go crazy over this chicken enchilada pasta! Full of chicken, cheese, green chiles, pasta, and plenty of melty cheese.

We can’t get enough of enchilada recipes. We make enchilada casserole, enchilada soup, and even enchilada chili in our slow cooker.

close up of chicken enchilada pasta

Why this recipe works

This Chicken Enchilada Pasta recipe will give you all of the best flavors without having to slave away at a hot stove!

The recipe is so easy to make and tastes delicious. The sauce is made with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge or pantry!

ingredients for enchilada pasta on table with text over lay of ingredient names

How to make Chicken Enchilada Pasta

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts – boneless thighs are fine too!
  • Seasonings – chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt and pepper
  • Red enchilada sauce – this has so much flavor and will be the flavor of the entire dish
  • Diced green onions, divided
  • Fire roasted green chiles – find these in a can on the Mexican food aisle.
  • Dried rotini pasta – cooked according to package directions, do not over cook and DO NOT add until the chicken is done cooking.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese – grated, for a melty topping.
  • Sour cream – turns the enchilada sauce into a creamy sauce. (SEE FULL INGREDIENT LIST AND DIRECTIONS IN RECIPE CARD, BELOW PHOTOS).
2 images. One of chicken with seasonings on top and the other with enchilada sauce on top of that
  • Add the chicken, seasonings, green chiles and half of the green onions to your slow cooker.
  • Pour over the enchilada sauce. (DO NOT ADD SOUR CREAM OR PASTA YET).
collage of how to make enchilada pasta in slow cooker
  1. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  2. Shred the chicken with two forks. Add the sour cream.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain. Add the pasta to the chicken and sauce.
  4. Stir and top with cheese. Cover the slow cooker for 10 more minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

What sides go with cheesy chicken enchilada pasta?

  • Green salad with dressing
  • Corn on the cob
  • Jalapeno Corn – Recipe by Southern Bite
done cooking enchilada pasta in slow cooker with salad on side

Toppings for Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Some of my favorite things to top this Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta with are:

  • Chopped cilantro – This is a great way to add another layer of fresh flavor and makes the dish look prettier on your plate!
  • Pico de Gallo – A fresh made salsa is great over this pasta.
  • Green onions – cut into long thin strips (they’re easier for people who aren’t using their hands)
  • Sour cream – I love adding sour cream because it adds an extra oomph of richness and balances out the spicy flavors in this recipe.
  • Avocado sauce – make by mixing together mashed avocados, lime juice and sour cream until creamy and then drizzle over the pasta. It’s a delicious lighter way to enjoy this dish.
side view of chicken enchilada pasta in slow cooker

Recipe FAQs

What kind of pasta should I use?

You can use your favorite pasta, but I like to use rotini for this dish. Other options I suggest are penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta.

Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?

Yes! You can sub out the green sauce for the red. Just beware though, sometimes green sauce is on the runnier side.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat the pasta on low for on the stovetop or in the microwave oven, or until heated through.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes! Chicken Enchilada Pasta will freeze well. Make sure you do not add the pasta or toppings, and you can store it in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to three months.

chicken enchilada pasta on a plate

More pasta dishes to make:

  • Slow Cooker Zucchini Bolognese
  • Slow Cooker Feta and Tomato Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

The Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta is a delicious dish that takes minutes to prepare and is the perfect hearty meal for those busy weeknights. It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time, making it the perfect meal when you’re craving Mexican food but short on time.

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close up of chicken enchilada pasta

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta

4.75 from 12 votes
Chicken slow simmer in enchilada sauce then sour cream, pasta and cheese are added for a decadent pasta meal.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 528kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 28 oz. can red enchilada sauce
  • 4 oz. fire-roasted green chiles
  • 1 cup diced green onions divided

Wait to add until the end:

  • 16 oz. dried rotini noodles cooked according to package directions, do not over cook.
  • 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese grated (this is about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup sour cream plus more for serving
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add the chicken to the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle over the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin and oregano.
  • Add the green chiles and half of the green onions on top of the chicken. Save the remaining green onions for serving.
  • Pour over the enchilda sauce.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker.
  • Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
  • When the cooking time is near done, cook your rotini noodles on the stovetop according to package directions. Do not overcook.
  • When the cooking time is done, shred the chicken with two forks. Stir the sour cream into the sauce.
  • Drain the noodles and add them to the pasta. Stir. Sprinkle over the cheese, place the lid back on the slow cooker and let the cheese melt. This will take about 10 minutes.
  • Serve each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

You can use green enchilada sauce instead of red if desired. Though beware that the sauce will be a little runny compared to the red sauce.
This pasta freezes well! Add the cooked pasta to freezer ziplock bags or to containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Another cheese option is Monterey Jack. It’s a milder cheese but goes great with red sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are fine to use instead of breasts.
Other topping ideas are: 
  • Cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Pico de gallo salsa
  • Additional sour cream

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1518mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1576IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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    14103 shares
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    Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta

    Comments

    1. Dino says

      January 14, 2023 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      We have made this several times, always delicious!
      Highly

      Reply
    2. Donna says

      August 15, 2022 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was so delicious! I love it hot. I used the hot red enchilada sauce and hot green chillies. I craved it so much that I made it twice going on a 3rd time in the past month. I’m having my sister over and going to make it for her. It was hard to keep any left overs.

      Reply
    3. Rachelle says

      August 1, 2022 at 4:49 pm

      What is the serving size?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 1, 2022 at 9:43 pm

        Hi! I don’t have that information, I apologize.

        Reply
    4. Laura farmer says

      July 20, 2022 at 3:48 pm

      2 stars
      I made this recipe tonight and it was overpowering in chili powder. I followed the directions as called for. When the called for 1 tablespoon of chili powder and one 28oz can of red enchilada sauce, I thought it was a lot. What did I do wrong?

      Reply
    5. Beth says

      June 1, 2022 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I added sliced black olives when I put the cheese in. Garnished with green onions, cilantro and sour cream. Definitely making this again.

      Reply
    6. Abby says

      October 4, 2021 at 11:29 am

      Can I do this recipe with cream cheese instead of sour cream?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 4, 2021 at 2:20 pm

        Yes! My tip is to microwave it for 30 seconds first. That will make it the texture of sour cream and it will melt into the enchilada sauce. (add it at the end).

        Reply
      • Anonymous says

        August 30, 2022 at 10:06 am

        Thank you for this question I was also wondering!!

        Reply
    7. Gail says

      August 26, 2021 at 3:43 am

      Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? I forgot to thaw them last night.

      Reply
      • D says

        September 2, 2021 at 3:57 pm

        I used frozen chicken today and it worked great!

        Reply
    8. Donna Tornberg says

      August 21, 2021 at 3:52 pm

      That sounds good I’ve got to try that recipe

      Reply
    9. Debbie says

      August 21, 2021 at 8:30 am

      This looks great and I want to try it, but I wouldn’t have time to cook the noodles. Can’t I add them and cook them in the slow cooker, and if so when do you suggest doing so? Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Danielle says

        October 29, 2021 at 8:33 am

        You could always pre cook for a little less time then microwave them to heat for a few seconds and throw them in.

        Reply
    10. APeacock says

      August 18, 2021 at 4:40 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for supper tonight. It’s easy and tastes great.

      Reply
    11. Erin says

      August 14, 2021 at 10:51 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight. My picky 6 year old even ate it. Delicious!

      Reply
    12. Philip Eisenwasser says

      August 13, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      can i add fire roasted diced tomatows to this

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 14, 2021 at 7:44 am

        Yes, that will work great.

        Reply
    13. Theresa Huskey says

      August 12, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      I’m excited to try this recipe.

      Reply
    14. Christine says

      August 9, 2021 at 11:34 am

      Looks so good! How spicy is this?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 9, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        It has a medium spice to it. The sour cream does help cool it down a bit.

        Reply

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