Unbelievably Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Print Version)
How to make creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with tender chicken and rich sauce that's perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Comfort Food
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
16 oz (1 box) penne pasta, uncooked
03 -
4 cups (32 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
04 -
1 cup heavy cream
05 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
→ Aromatics and Creaminess
06 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
07 -
4-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
08 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
09 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 -
5 oz fresh baby spinach
11 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
→ Seasonings
12 -
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
13 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
14 -
½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
→ Finishing Touch
15 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by melting butter in a skillet. Sauté diced onion until softened, then add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This builds a crucial flavor base for your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
02 -
Transfer the sautéed aromatics to your crockpot. Add the 1-inch chicken pieces, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly before cooking.
03 -
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes and fresh spinach, allowing them to melt and wilt.
04 -
Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Continue cooking on high for another 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
05 -
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and emulsifies into a rich, creamy sauce. This step is crucial for the signature flavor of your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
06 -
Garnish your delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook pasta; check frequently in the last 15 minutes to ensure it's al dente.
02 -
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently with a splash of liquid.
03 -
Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for breasts, providing an even more tender and flavorful result.
04 -
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, alongside a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread.
05 -
Prep chicken, onion, and garlic up to a day ahead; store separately and assemble just before cooking.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Crockpot
02 -
skillet
03 -
knife
04 -
cutting board
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
07 -
stirring spoon or spatula
08 -
airtight containers
09 -
serving bowls
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 850
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 57g
Protein: 64g