Description
Succulent crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings comfort and convenience to weeknight dinners. Creamy, cheesy goodness awaits with minimal effort, promising a delicious meal that satisfies hungry families in one hearty pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Dairy:
- 1 (8 ounces / 225 g) block of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 g) shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Nestle the chicken pieces into the crockpot, generously coating them with a robust blend of minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Create a luxurious bath of chicken broth and heavy cream, then delicately scatter softened cream cheese chunks throughout the mixture.
- Allow the slow cooker to transform the ingredients, covering and cooking on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken reaches peak tenderness and becomes effortlessly pullable.
- Extract the chicken from its aromatic bath and meticulously shred using two forks, then reintroduce the tender meat back into the creamy sauce, stirring to ensure perfect integration.
- Approach the final stage by preparing the pasta in boiling water according to package guidelines, ensuring an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside, anticipating its union with the rich sauce.
- Merge the cooked pasta into the crockpot, gently tossing until every strand becomes lavishly coated in the velvety, garlicky sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Present the dish with a flourish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot, accompanied by crispy garlic bread or a crisp, refreshing salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- Choose bone-in or boneless chicken for varied flavor and texture, ensuring juicy results that complement the creamy sauce.
- Using low-fat cream cheese can reduce calories while maintaining the dish’s rich, velvety consistency without sacrificing taste.
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions without changing the overall deliciousness.
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can replace parsley, adding an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 703
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 927 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg