Can I use frozen chicken?

I don’t recommend cooking frozen chicken in the slow cooker for safety. Thaw first in the fridge, then cook until it reaches 165°F.

What pasta shape works best?

Rotini, penne, or shells. They hold the sauce and don’t break down as easily.

Can I make it lighter?

Use light alfredo or Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese, and add extra chicken broth to thin the sauce.

How do I avoid stringy chicken?

Don’t overcook. Check early, and shred right when it hits 165°F. Thighs are more forgiving than breasts.

How do I add veggies without watering it down?

Stir in quick cooking veggies like spinach at the very end, or roast broccoli and fold it in so you keep its color and texture.

Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta Recipe

Description

A cozy and creamy dish made with tender chicken, silky garlic parmesan sauce, and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Thighs stay extra juicy.)
8 oz Short pasta (like rotini, penne, or shells) (Holds sauce best.)
1.5 cups Garlic parmesan sauce (Store bought or homemade.)
1 cup Low sodium chicken broth (To loosen the sauce.)
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
to taste Black pepper
to taste Salt
1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese (For melt.)
1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (For salty bite.)
optional Cream cheese (For extra creaminess.)

Optional Add-Ins

1 handful Baby spinach (Adds color and freshness.)
1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (For sweet tang.)
1 cup Frozen peas (Easy and quick.)
1 squeeze Lemon (For brightness.)
to taste Red pepper flakes (For gentle heat.)

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Instructions

Preparation

Spray your slow cooker.
Add chicken, a cup of broth, and 1 to 1.5 cups garlic parmesan sauce.
Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Cooking

Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
Shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot.
Stir in more sauce to taste, along with cream cheese if desired.

Finishing Touches

Fold in cooked pasta that’s just shy of al dente, along with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Stir until melted and creamy.

Notes

To prevent overcooked pasta, cook it separately and add it at the very end. Use sturdy shapes like rotini or penne. Adjust sauce thickness with broth or milk if necessary.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian