Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken & Pasta
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken & Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender slow-cooked chicken in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that requires minimal effort while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients For the Chicken
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
🧄 For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
🍝 Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) penne, rotini, or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and heavy cream.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Add cream cheese in small chunks on top.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Parmesan
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and add to the slow cooker.
Step 7: Combine & Serve
- Toss the pasta in the creamy garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings
- 6 servings
🔢 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Benefits
🍗 High in Protein
Chicken provides quality protein that helps support muscle maintenance and satiety.
⚡ Energy-Packed
Pasta supplies carbohydrates for sustained energy.
🧄 Rich Garlic Flavor
Garlic adds delicious flavor and beneficial plant compounds.
⏲️ Easy Meal Preparation
The slow cooker does most of the work, making dinner stress-free.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly
Creamy, cheesy flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
Notes
- Chicken thighs produce a richer, juicier result.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
Tips
- Stir in spinach or broccoli during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Add mushrooms for extra savory flavor.
- Use whole-wheat pasta for additional fiber.
- Save a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q&A
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Penne, rotini, bowties, and fettuccine all work well.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: The chicken and sauce freeze well, but pasta is best cooked fresh when serving.
Q: How do I make it lighter?
A: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, milk instead of heavy cream, and less Parmesan.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, peas, broccoli, or mushrooms are excellent additions.
Q: Why is my sauce too thick?
A: Stir in a little warm chicken broth or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Dietary Preference: High-Protein
Yield: 6 servings