Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an easy dish made in a slow cooker. To prepare, place 2 pounds of chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour in a 12-ounce bottle of Parmesan Garlic sauce and add 1 cup of milk. Distribute 8 ounces of cream cheese in blocks and mix in 4 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve over pasta for a creamy, flavorful meal that is perfect for busy nights. More details follow.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

One of the primary reasons to love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is its simplicity and convenience. It requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

The slow cooker method allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring tender chicken without constant monitoring. Additionally, the recipe utilizes common ingredients, often found in most kitchens.

This dish is versatile, accommodating various dietary preferences through easy ingredient substitutions. Preparing it can be a family activity, as everyone can help with tasks like shredding chicken or stirring pasta.

Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta. This easy-to-follow recipe utilizes a slow cooker, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. With the rich taste of Parmesan and garlic, this meal is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken. This dish is not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing for various additions and substitutions to suit your taste. Whether you serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful way to bring comfort to your dining table.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Parmesan Garlic Sauce (12 oz)
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into blocks
• 4 oz shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken, guaranteeing it is well covered.

2. Fill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake it to mix any remaining sauce, and add this to the slow cooker. This will help create a creamy texture for the dish.

3. Add the blocks of cream cheese to the slow cooker, distributing them evenly over the chicken and sauce mixture.

4. Incorporate the shredded or grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

6. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken within the sauce and stir it back into the mixture.

7. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it.

8. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to guarantee every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy chicken and sauce mixture.

9. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with optional parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

For the best results, be sure to monitor the cooking time based on your slow cooker settings, as they can vary. You can also customize the dish with various additions like vegetables or spices to suit your palate.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor. Enjoy this hearty dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

Simplicity and flavor come together in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, making it an ideal dish for various occasions. This recipe showcases an easy preparation method, perfect for busy families or gatherings.

By using a slow cooker, the chicken becomes tender and flavorful. Serving suggestions include pairing it with steamed vegetables, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

It also offers storage options, allowing for refrigerated leftovers or freezing for future use. Variations can enhance the dish further, catering to different tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?

Like a chilly winter morning, frozen chicken breasts can be used for the recipe. However, cooking time may need adjustment. Ensuring thorough cooking is essential for food safety and ideal flavor development.

What Type of Pasta Pairs Best With Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

When considering pasta types that complement creamy garlic sauces, options like fettuccine, penne, or rotini stand out. Their shapes effectively capture the sauce, enhancing flavor and providing a satisfying texture in the dish.

How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

To make the dish gluten-free, one can substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta options. Additionally, checking the sauce for gluten-containing ingredients guarantees the entire meal remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Is It Possible to Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Approximately 70% of home cooks own an Instant Pot. It is indeed possible to adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot, reducing the cooking time considerably while maintaining flavor and tenderness in the chicken.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

When considering side dishes, options like steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp salad enhance the meal. Additionally, pairing with roasted potatoes or a light soup can complement the main dish effectively.