Description
Scrumptious crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort. Home cooks can savor creamy, cheesy goodness without complicated kitchen techniques, ensuring satisfaction from first delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 g) shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 12 oz (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 2 tbsps chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Tenderly coat chicken pieces with a fragrant mixture of minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Submerge the seasoned chicken in a luxurious liquid blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, strategically dispersing cream cheese chunks throughout the mixture.
- Slow Cooking Transformation: Secure the crockpot lid and allow the ingredients to meld and develop flavors. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches peak tenderness and can be easily pulled apart.
- Chicken and Sauce Integration: Carefully remove chicken from the aromatic liquid, shred thoroughly using two forks, then reintroduce the delicate meat back into the creamy base. Stir gently to ensure complete sauce integration and flavor distribution.
- Pasta and Final Assembly: Cook pasta in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain completely. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the crockpot, gently folding to ensure each pasta strand becomes completely enveloped in the rich, garlicky sauce.
- Garnish and Serving: Crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a delicate garnish of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot, complemented by crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for consistent cooking and easier shredding. Pat chicken dry before seasoning to enhance flavor absorption and prevent watery sauce.
- Control Sauce Consistency: Monitor liquid levels during cooking. If sauce appears too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth. Conversely, if too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar during final hour to allow reduction.
- Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Add pasta during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and fold into sauce just before serving to prevent mushy results.
- Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter version. Replace regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options. Use low-fat cream cheese for reduced-calorie alternative without compromising creamy richness.
- 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: 5
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg