Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to the next level. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and pasta makes it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. It’s also easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones while it cooks. Plus, using a slow cooker means the flavors meld beautifully over time, resulting in a creamy, flavorful meal.
How to make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, butter, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Add the cream cheese and parmesan cheese to the slow cooker and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss until everything is evenly coated in the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
How to serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to store Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for about three to four days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to season the chicken well to boost flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best taste.
- Don’t skip the parsley, as it adds freshness to the rich dish.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste if you’re a garlic lover.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This adds color and nutrition to the dish, making it even more delightful.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving, and you may need to add a little extra broth to loosen the sauce.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add the minced garlic, butter, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Add the cream cheese and parmesan cheese to the slow cooker and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss until everything is evenly coated in the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
