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–+ servings
Sarah

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy slow-cooker Parmesan chicken with tender pasta and a velvety garlic sauce. Ten minutes of prep, then the crockpot does the work. Family-friendly, meal-prep ready, and ultra comforting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  • 1½–2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ¾–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
  • 8–12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 1 lemon wedge
  • chopped parsley, for garnish

Equipment

  • slow cooker (6-quart)
  • mixing whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • tongs or forks for shredding chicken
  • serving spoon

Method

  • Add chicken, chicken broth, butter, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 2–2½ hours, until chicken reaches 165°F / 74°C.
  • Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Whisk cream cheese into the hot broth until smooth and creamy, then whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • To cook pasta in the crockpot: Stir in 8 oz dry pasta and cook on HIGH for 15–22 minutes, stirring once, until just tender.
    For firmer pasta: Boil 12 oz pasta separately and fold it in after cooking.
  • Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 680IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 1.6mg

Notes

Million-Dollar Variation: Add ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese with cream cheese.
Pair with Broccoli Bacon Salad, Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, or Burrata Chicken Milanese for a full meal.
Thin sauce? Simmer uncovered 5 minutes. Thick? Add warm broth to loosen.
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