Go Back
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz (225g) pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil In this dish, chicken breasts are the star. They soak up all the flavors. The pasta adds a nice base, holding the creamy sauce. Garlic gives a rich taste, while chicken broth adds depth. Heavy cream makes it all smooth and rich. Parmesan cheese brings a salty touch that blends so well. Italian seasoning adds a bit of herb flavor that ties everything together. To cook this dish well, you need a few key tools. A slow cooker is crucial for easy cooking. A skillet helps to sear the chicken first. A pot for boiling the pasta is also needed. You will also want a set of measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Finally, a pair of forks will help shred the chicken once it's done cooking. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra grated Parmesan cheese Garnishing makes the dish look great. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also gives a fresh taste that balances the creaminess. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top makes it even more inviting. These small touches elevate your meal from simple to stunning. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown. It does not need to cook fully; it will finish in the slow cooker. Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream on top of the chicken. This will create a rich base for the sauce. Make sure everything is well distributed. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Cook for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Check for tenderness; the chicken should easily shred with a fork. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. About 15-20 minutes before serving, cook your pasta in a separate pot. Follow the package instructions to ensure it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This timing is key to keeping the pasta from getting mushy. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Add the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. Scoop the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta into bowls. For a nice finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get that smooth, creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It blends well with the cheese. Stir in the grated Parmesan slowly. This helps it melt evenly. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it nice and light. For the best results, cook on low for 4-5 hours. This makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. If you're short on time, cooking on high for 2-3 hours works too. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. Don’t skip searing the chicken. This step adds a rich flavor. Avoid overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Lastly, taste the dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking for the best flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and gives a nice taste. Use about one pound of shrimp. Just add it to the slow cooker in the last hour. Tofu is a great choice too. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Add it same time as the chicken. Both options make this dish fun and different. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the pasta for gluten-free options. You can try quinoa pasta or rice noodles. Both work well and taste great. Also, check the chicken broth. Some brands have gluten, so look for gluten-free labels. These simple swaps keep the dish tasty and safe for everyone. Adding veggies is a smart way to boost flavor and nutrition. You can add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add about two cups of chopped veggies to the slow cooker. Toss them in with the chicken and other ingredients. They will cook down and blend nicely with the sauce. This makes the meal colorful and healthy. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent excess moisture inside the container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring often. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir until it is warmed through. This will help prevent it from drying out. To freeze the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, portion it into smaller containers. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers. The pasta can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It takes 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. The chicken should be tender and cooked through. I prefer the low setting for a soft texture. The slow cooker makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Fettuccine or penne work great, but you can try rotini or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the pasta. Cook it al dente, as it will mix into the creamy sauce later. If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or cream. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency. This keeps the sauce creamy and helps it coat the pasta nicely. Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot! Simply use the sauté function to sear the chicken. Then, add the other ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes before serving. To serve more people, just double the ingredients! Use 2 pounds of chicken and 16 ounces of pasta. You may need a larger slow cooker or cook in batches. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you add more ingredients, but keep an eye on the chicken for doneness. This blog post covered all you need for creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and easy variations. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can switch proteins and add veggies for fun twists. Enjoy creating this dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table! With a little practice, you’ll master this meal in no time. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Slow Cooker

Indulge in a delicious bowl of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner! This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken, garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering meal everyone will love. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a comforting dish ready to enjoy. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your weeknight meals! #CreamyGarlicParmesanChickenPasta #PastaRecipes #SlowCookerMeals #DinnerIdeas
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz (225g) pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). It doesn't have to be fully cooked as it will continue to cook in the slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Setup: Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream over the chicken.

      Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

        Cook the Pasta: About 15-20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot until al dente. Drain and set aside.

          Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

            Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Mix until the cheese is melted and it creates a creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker and gently toss to combine everything well.

                Serve: Scoop the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta into bowls or plates.

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving for an inviting presentation.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 4.5 hours | Servings: 4