Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Pasta

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A rich, comforting slow-cooker meal made with tender chicken breasts, rotini pasta, garlic, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. This is an easy dump-and-cook dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side (optional but adds flavor).

Step 2: Layer in Crockpot

  1. Place chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.

  2. Add uncooked pasta around the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, melted butter, cream cheese, and Parmesan.

  2. Pour sauce evenly over chicken and pasta.

Step 4: Cook

  • Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.

  • Remove chicken, shred or slice.

  • Stir pasta well. If needed, add ¼ cup warm broth to loosen sauce.

  • Return chicken to crockpot and cook 10–15 minutes more.

Step 5: Serve

  • Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

  • Serve hot.

 Description

This dish combines creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with tender slow-cooked chicken and perfectly coated pasta. The slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

💡 Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.

  • If pasta absorbs too much liquid, add warm broth before serving.

  • For extra creaminess, stir in more cream cheese at the end.

Tips for Best Results

  • ✔ Sear the chicken first for deeper flavor.

  • ✔ Stir pasta once halfway through cooking if possible.

  • ✔ Use rotini or penne — they hold sauce well.

  • ✔ Avoid overcooking on HIGH to prevent mushy pasta.

Servings

  • Serves: 4–6 people

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW)

 Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 650–750 kcal

  • Protein: 40–45g

  • Carbohydrates: 45–55g

  • Fat: 40–45g

  • Calcium: ~30% DV

(Values vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.)

 Benefits

  • ✅ High in protein from chicken

  • ✅ Calcium from Parmesan cheese

  • ✅ Comforting, energy-rich meal

  • ✅ Family-friendly

  • ✅ Great for meal prep leftovers

Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but increase cook time and ensure internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
A: Yes, but sauce will be thinner. Add 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch to thicken.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms work well. Add during the last hour.

Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is certified gluten-free.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth.

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