Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare with minimal effort. The chicken becomes tender as it slowly cooks in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, while the cream cheese adds a luscious texture. Once the chicken is shredded and combined with cooked pasta, it turns into a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a crockpot, you can create a hearty meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

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Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 bottle (12 oz) parmesan garlic sauce (see notes)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup milk (2% or whole milk is best)
• 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Crockpot:

• Spray the insert of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot:

• Place the chicken breasts, parmesan garlic sauce, grated parmesan cheese, and cream cheese into the crockpot.

3. Make the Sauce:

• To ensure none of the garlic parmesan sauce is wasted, fill the empty bottle with ¼ cup of milk, shake it vigorously, and pour it over the chicken and other ingredients in the crockpot.

4. Cook:

• Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. Shred the Chicken:

• Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks or an electric hand mixer for quicker shredding. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.

6. Cook the Pasta:

• While the chicken is finishing, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions to your preferred texture (al dente or softer). Drain the pasta but do not rinse.

7. Combine Pasta and Chicken:

• Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture in the crockpot. If the sauce is too thick, you can add reserved pasta water, milk, or chicken broth little by little until the desired consistency is reached. You may not need to use all the pasta depending on your preference for the pasta-to-sauce ratio.

8. Serve:

• Serve the pasta warm and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken.

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Tips:

• Sauce Options: If you don’t have bottled parmesan garlic sauce, you can make a quick homemade version by combining olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and a touch of heavy cream or milk. This gives you control over the flavors and freshness.
• Mix-Ins: Add some sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Pasta Choices: Rotini works great because it holds the sauce well, but you can swap it with other short pasta like penne or fusilli.
• Storing Leftovers: This pasta stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful with minimal hands-on cooking.