Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy dish that will make your taste buds dance? This Creamy Chicken Pasta Slow Cooker recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, rich cream, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made effortlessly in your slow cooker! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the magic happens. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish promises to be a family favorite. Dive into this article to discover how to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes and mincing garlic cloves finely.
- Lightly season diced chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Grease the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Place diced chicken, minced garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine ingredients.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting, cooking for approximately 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker, stirring to ensure even distribution.
- Once pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
- Let dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can dice the chicken and mince the garlic the night before. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Season Well: Don’t skip the seasoning step! A light coating of salt and pepper on the chicken enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Non-Stick Assurance: Greasing your slow cooker is key to preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup. Use non-stick cooking spray or butter generously.
- Pasta Perfection: Add the uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir it in gently to ensure even cooking.
- Cheese It Up: For an extra cheesy experience, consider adding more Parmesan cheese at the end, or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for a gooey finish.
- Garnish for Flair: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor. Don’t skip this final touch before serving!
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken and enhances the overall texture.
- Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape—penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options work beautifully in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 711kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 193mg
