Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, creamy meal that comes together with minimal effort. Tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and cheesy pasta make it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs (thick-cut preferred)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing garlic or coating chicken)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This boosts the flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: If you like, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil or butter briefly to deepen its flavor, then add the garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker with the liquid mixture. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
4. Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the uncooked pasta into the slow cooker. Ensure it is fully submerged in the sauce so it cooks evenly without breaking apart the chicken.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese. This will give the dish a creamy, glossy finish ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes along with the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• To save time, you can skip sautéing the garlic but browning the chicken beforehand adds more depth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking in the slow cooker. Using frozen chicken may result in unevenly cooked meat and longer cooking times.

What pasta works best in slow cooker recipes?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells hold up well during slow cooking and absorb flavors nicely without becoming mushy.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and cheesy Parmesan with perfectly cooked pasta. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, this dish offers rich flavors and a creamy texture, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs (thick-cut preferred)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing garlic or coating chicken)

Sauce and Pasta

• 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor before placing them in the slow cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker along with the seasoned chicken pieces. If desired, sauté the garlic briefly in olive oil or butter beforehand for enhanced flavor.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and become tender while the garlic and seasoning meld into a rich sauce.
4. Add the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the uncooked pasta into the slow cooker, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce to cook evenly without shredding the chicken.
5. Finish with Parmesan and Creaminess: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce, giving it a glossy, creamy finish.

Notes

• For extra flavor, sauté the garlic in olive oil or butter before adding it to the slow cooker.
• If you prefer, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Keep the pasta submerged in the sauce to ensure even cooking and prevent it from drying out.
• Use thick-cut chicken breasts or thighs to prevent overcooking and keep the meat juicy.
• Adjust salt carefully because Parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the dish.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, creamy chicken pasta, one pot slow cooker meal, easy slow cooker recipes