Introducing our delectable Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – a slow-cooked masterpiece that effortlessly blends the rich flavors of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not only quick and convenient but also a comforting and indulgent option for any dinner occasion.
Cooking time:
Cook in the Slow Cooker:
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- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, and the chicken becomes tender.
Make sure to monitor the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C). Additionally, adjust the cooking time based on the slow cooker’s model and the thickness of the chicken breasts. The goal is to achieve tender, fully cooked chicken that easily shreds.
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
- 12 oz pasta (of your choice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sauce and Chicken:
- Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Fill the Parmesan Garlic Sauce bottle with milk and shake well to get all the sauce. Add the milk and the remaining sauce to the slow cooker.
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Cut the cream cheese into blocks and add it to the slow cooker.
- Cheese and Stir:
- Sprinkle 4 oz of shredded or grated Parmesan cheese over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the sauce and the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, and the chicken becomes tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions separately.
- Pour the cooked pasta into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and sauce.
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Stir and Serve:
- Gently stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love It:
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Rich and Creamy Flavor Profile: Indulge in a luxurious blend of Parmesan, garlic, and cream cheese, creating a sauce that coats every inch of tender chicken and pasta with a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Effortless Preparation: This slow cooker recipe is incredibly easy to assemble, making it a perfect option for busy evenings when you crave a delicious homemade meal without the fuss.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: The combination of familiar ingredients like chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, ensuring it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile Customization: While the recipe is delightful as-is, it’s also a canvas for personalization. Add your favorite herbs, vegetables, or even a hint of spice to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: Slow-cooking the chicken allows it to absorb the savory flavors of the Parmesan garlic sauce while becoming fork-tender, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite in every mouthful.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: The separate cooking of the pasta ensures that it maintains its ideal texture, combining seamlessly with the creamy sauce and chicken for a delightful pasta experience.
- Efficient Slow Cooker Convenience: Utilizing the slow cooker not only imparts deep flavors into the dish but also allows for flexibility in your schedule, as you can set it and let it cook without constant attention.
- Ideal for Leftovers: Enjoy the delightful leftovers as the flavors continue to meld, providing an equally satisfying and convenient option for subsequent meals.
- Satisfying Comfort Food: With its creamy texture, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish offers the ultimate comfort food experience that is sure to bring a sense of warmth and satisfaction to your table.
- Impressive for Entertaining: While easy to prepare, the rich and savory nature of this pasta makes it an impressive and comforting choice when hosting guests for dinner.
How to store it :
Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta properly will help maintain its freshness and flavors. Here’s a guide on how to store it:
- Refrigeration:
- Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Transfer the pasta and chicken into an airtight container or cover the slow cooker insert tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- If you have larger quantities or want to store it for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option.
- Portion the pasta into individual freezer-safe containers or use a large container for family-sized portions.
- Label the container(s) with the date for reference.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing:
- When ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
- Reheating:
- To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions or the oven for larger quantities.
- If using the microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap, stirring occasionally.
- If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying, and bake until heated through.
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Check for Freshness:
- Before reheating, check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors or changes in color and texture. If in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard.
Here are some advanced tips and variations to enhance the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe:
Advanced Tips:
- Homemade Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
- Elevate the dish by making your own Parmesan garlic sauce from scratch. Sauté minced garlic in butter, add heavy cream, and gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan until smooth. This allows for a more personalized and nuanced flavor.
- Herb Infusion:
- Infuse additional flavors by adding fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce. A tablespoon of freshly chopped basil added just before serving can bring a burst of freshness.
- Wine Reduction:
- For an extra layer of complexity, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken but before adding the sauce. Allow the alcohol to cook off before proceeding with the recipe.
- Caramelized Onions:
- Enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor by caramelizing onions separately and adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a rich, savory dimension to the dish.
Advanced Variations:
- Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Add a touch of elegance by incorporating fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This introduces vibrant colors and additional layers of flavor.
- Pesto Twist:
- Create a delightful pesto-infused version by stirring in a few tablespoons of pesto just before serving. The basil and pine nut flavors will complement the Parmesan and garlic notes beautifully.
- Lemon Zest and Capers:
- Add brightness to the dish by incorporating freshly grated lemon zest and capers. The citrusy notes and briny flavor will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Crunchy Bread Crumb Topping:
- For a textural contrast, consider topping individual servings with a sprinkle of crunchy seasoned breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs in a pan with olive oil until golden brown before adding them to the dish.
- Grilled Chicken Variation:
- For an added smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts briefly before placing them in the slow cooker. This step enhances the overall depth of taste.
These advanced tips and variations offer an opportunity to experiment with different flavors and textures, taking the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to the next level.
Popular Questions and Answers:
Here are some popular questions and answers related to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish? A1: Absolutely! You can use your favorite pasta shape for this recipe. Whether it’s penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, feel free to choose the pasta variety that you enjoy the most.
- Q2: Is there a recommended brand for the Parmesan Garlic Sauce? A2: While you can use any reputable brand available, you might want to try making your own sauce using fresh Parmesan, garlic, and cream. This allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking.
- Q3: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker for added nutrition? A3: Certainly! Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be added to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a burst of freshness and added nutrition.
- Q4: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? A4: It’s recommended to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, ensure they are fully thawed before placing them in the slow cooker to avoid uneven cooking.
- Q5: What sides pair well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? A5: A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent side choices to complement the creamy and savory flavors of the pasta.
- Q6: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A6: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Cook the chicken in a pan, add the sauce ingredients, and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Mix in cooked pasta before serving.
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Q7: How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the slow cooker? A7: To prevent overcooking the pasta, it’s recommended to cook it separately according to package instructions. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, allowing it to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
