Description
This CrockPot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with rich garlic Parmesan sauce, cream cheese, and spices create a luscious base that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. Finished with fresh parsley and an optional kick of red pepper flakes, this dish is sure to be a family favorite with minimal prep time and effortless slow cooker magic.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 (12 oz) jar Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 oz pasta (cooked and drained; farfalle recommended)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare CrockPot: Grease the bottom of the crockpot with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add Chicken and Seasoning: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Add Sauces: Pour the jar of Garlic Parmesan Sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add Cream Cheese, Parmesan, and Broth: Top the sauce with cream cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. This will create a creamy, rich sauce as it cooks.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crockpot, stirring to combine well.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions but reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes to keep it al dente.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce mixture. Stir everything together and let cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes on top before serving for a burst of color and a slight spicy kick.
Notes
- Using cream cheese at room temperature helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- You can substitute any short pasta like penne or rotini if farfalle is unavailable.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and check the labels on the jarred sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American