Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
