Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with garlic, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices, then shredded and mixed with penne pasta, making a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
For Serving
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Grease the crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cooked chicken and sauce.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the crock pot to form a base layer for the sauce.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Over the chicken, add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, oregano, basil, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes, distributing them evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. Begin checking at 4 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce so it absorbs all the flavors. Alternatively, dice the chicken if you prefer chunkier pieces.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the crock pot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Let Pasta Soak: Allow the pasta to soak in the sauce for 15-20 minutes on the 'warm' setting of your crock pot, stirring occasionally to enhance flavor absorption and keep ingredients well combined.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and presentation appeal.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on the size and model of your crock pot; always check the chicken is fully cooked.
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes such as fusilli or rigatoni.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
