Description
Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta combines tender shredded chicken, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, cream cheese, and pasta in an easy slow cooker dinner. This rich and comforting meal requires only a few minutes of preparation and serves 4.
Ingredients
12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 ounces dry pasta
Nonstick cooking spray
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for garnish, optional
Warm milk, heavy cream, or reserved pasta water, optional for thinning the sauce
Instructions
1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Pour the Parmesan garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
4. Add the cream cheese pieces and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
6. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
8. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce until evenly combined.
9. Cook the pasta separately according to the package directions until al dente.
10. Drain the pasta thoroughly without rinsing it.
11. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker.
12. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated with the chicken and sauce.
13. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of warm milk, heavy cream, or reserved pasta water.
14. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
15. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, cavatappi, and medium shells work well because they hold creamy sauce.
Cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
Cut the cream cheese into small pieces so it melts more evenly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan when possible for a smoother sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs may replace the chicken breasts.
Add steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
For freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta whenever possible.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary by sauce brand, pasta type, and serving size.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1074
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 919 mg
- Fat: 64 g
- Saturated Fat: 37 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 66 g
- Cholesterol: 302 mg