Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Printable version)
Tender chicken in creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over pasta, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
→ Dairy
02 - 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
03 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
05 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
→ Sauces & Broth
10 - 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
11 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Pasta
12 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Arrange chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, condensed cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until thoroughly combined and smooth.
03 - Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on high setting for 4 hours or low setting for 6 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
04 - Approximately 20 minutes before serving, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
05 - Remove cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs. Shred the meat using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to distribute evenly.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker and fold gently until fully coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve immediately, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The sauce develops this incredible depth of flavor that only happens with low and slow cooking
- Its practically foolproof even on your most exhausted days
- Leftovers actually taste better the next time around
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid too often every peek lets heat escape and adds cooking time
- Full-fat dairy really does make a difference here low-fat versions can separate or become grainy
03 -
- Spray your crockpot with cooking spray first for easier cleanup
- Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch just shred it and add during the last hour