Description
This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and creamy slow cooker meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are cooked slowly with garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan, then combined with al dente rotini pasta and a rich garlic parmesan sauce for a flavorful, hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into eight pieces
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 12 oz garlic parmesan sauce (Buffalo Wild Wings brand suggested)
Pasta and Finishing
- 1 lb rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to form the base layer.
- Add Flavorings: Top the chicken with pieces of cream cheese, minced garlic, and finely grated Parmesan cheese to infuse creamy, cheesy flavors.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the garlic parmesan sauce evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 4½ to 5½ hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks for a tender texture.
- Mix in Cream and Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and add the heavy cream, then stir everything well until combined and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot with the chicken mixture, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft as it absorbs the sauce.
- Enhance the dish by stirring in sun-dried tomatoes or crumbled bacon for extra texture and flavor.
- Use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperatures; avoid using frozen meat in the slow cooker.
- If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is an excellent way to use it up.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh aromatic finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
