Description
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta blends creamy Italian flavors with convenient slow-cooking techniques. Home chefs can savor this comforting one-pot meal that brings easy weeknight dinner magic to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz (340 g) dry pasta (rotini or penne)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, cut into pieces
- ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
- 12 oz (340 ml) parmesan garlic sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Lightly spray crockpot interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent ingredient adhesion.
- Layering: Position whole chicken breasts evenly across the crockpot base, then cascade Parmesan garlic sauce completely over the meat.
- Flavor Enhancement: Strategically distribute cream cheese and grated Parmesan atop chicken to create a rich, melting flavor profile.
- Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches optimal tenderness and is fully cooked.
- Meat Transformation: Remove chicken and meticulously shred into delicate pieces using two forks, then reintegrate into the creamy sauce.
- Pasta Incorporation: Concurrently cook pasta to perfect al dente texture, drain thoroughly, and fold into crockpot mixture, ensuring complete sauce coverage.
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Serving: Plate immediately while piping hot, allowing the luxurious combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken to deliver a memorable culinary experience.
Notes
- Prevent Sticking Smartly: Spray crockpot generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent ingredients from burning or adhering to pot walls.
- Check Chicken Doneness Carefully: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without dryness.
- Customize Sauce Consistency: If sauce appears too thick, gradually add chicken broth or reserved pasta water to achieve desired creamy texture without compromising flavor intensity.
- Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, use low-fat cream cheese, and substitute chicken with plant-based protein for alternative dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg