Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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🍗 Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)

  • Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • Sauce Base: 1 jar (12 oz) Garlic Parmesan wing sauce (Buffalo Wild Wings brand is a favorite) OR 1 cup heavy cream mixed with 1/2 cup grated parmesan and 4 cloves minced garlic.

  • Creaminess: 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)

  • Liquid: 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • Pasta: 1 lb box of pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Bowtie work best)

  • Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan (for the end)

  • Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).

Instructions

  1. Layer the Base: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with Italian seasoning and pepper.

  2. Add Liquids: Pour the garlic parmesan sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. Place the cubed cream cheese on top.

  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours.

  4. Shred: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

  5. Prepare Pasta: Cook your pasta on the stovetop according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

  6. Combine: Fold the cooked pasta and the shredded mozzarella into the slow cooker sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy.

  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will sit in the hot sauce, cook it 1-2 minutes less than the box instructions. This prevents it from getting mushy.

  • Thinning the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick after adding the pasta, splash in a little bit of reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.

  • Fresh Garlic: Even if using a pre-made sauce, adding 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic at the start levels up the flavor significantly.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx)

Calories Protein Total Fat Carbs
620 kcal 38g 32g 45g

Benefits of This Recipe

  • High Protein: Thanks to the chicken breast, this meal is very satiating.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: This pasta actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. It stays creamy when reheated with a splash of milk.

  • Versatility: You can easily “sneak” in veggies like spinach or steamed broccoli at the very end.

Q&A

Q: Can I put dry pasta directly in the slow cooker?

A: You can, but it’s risky. Pasta in the slow cooker often turns gummy or cooks unevenly. Cooking it separately on the stove ensures a much better texture.

Q: Is there a substitute for the wing sauce?

A: Yes! Use a mix of heavy cream, melted butter, plenty of garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?

A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay even juicier in the slow cooker than breasts.

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