Description
Succulent Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers comfort in one hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Warm kitchen aromas and rich flavors invite families to gather around the table for a satisfying meal that promises delightful simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 g) dry pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, cut into pieces
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Sauces and Garnishes:
- 12 ounces (340 ml) Parmesan garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot by lightly coating the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent ingredients from sticking during the cooking process.
- Carefully arrange whole chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly positioned.
- Create a flavorful base by generously pouring the Parmesan garlic sauce directly over the chicken, allowing it to completely cover the meat.
- Enhance the creamy texture by strategically placing cream cheese and grated Parmesan on top of the chicken, which will melt and infuse rich flavors during cooking.
- Secure the crockpot lid and select your preferred cooking time: slow cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and fully cooked.
- Carefully extract the chicken from the liquid and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into soft, delicate pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, gently stirring to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy Parmesan mixture.
- Simultaneously prepare the pasta in a separate pot, cooking until it reaches the perfect al dente consistency according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta completely and transfer it directly into the crockpot, mixing gently to ensure every strand is lavishly coated with the rich, garlicky sauce.
- For a final touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes over the dish.
- Serve the pasta immediately while piping hot, allowing the creamy sauce and tender chicken to tantalize your taste buds.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by browning chicken in a skillet before adding to crockpot for deeper caramelized taste.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking separately and adding just before serving to maintain perfect texture.
- Create gluten-free option by using alternative pasta like chickpea, zucchini noodles, or gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg