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To make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you need simple, fresh ingredients. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It takes about 4 hours to cook in the slow cooker. You can enjoy it with your family or friends. Here are the key ingredients you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that rich, creamy sauce. Choosing high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Select good-quality chicken breasts for tenderness. Look for real Parmesan cheese, not the powdered stuff. Fresh herbs add vibrant taste and color. These choices enhance the dish's overall taste and appeal. When you focus on ingredient quality, you elevate your cooking. This leads to a dish that impresses everyone. You can find the Full Recipe for cooking steps and tips! Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. This step locks in flavor and moisture. After searing, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add four minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about one minute. This brings out a lovely aroma. Next, pour in two cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. The broth will pick up the delicious bits from the skillet. Now, transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the garlic broth mixture over the chicken. Add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and, if you like a little heat, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for four hours, or on high for two hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and cooked through. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. This process makes it easy to mix with the pasta later. While the chicken cools, cook eight ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain it and set it aside. Next, stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. Finally, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, and add the cooked pasta. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Let it warm for an additional ten minutes on low. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Searing chicken is key to great flavor. Start with a hot skillet. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet without crowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds depth. Taste as you go! You can always add more seasoning. If the dish feels bland, try adding more salt. Fresh herbs can brighten the flavors too. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Mix in some Italian seasoning for a classic touch. Remember, the right balance makes every bite special. Avoid cooking the chicken too long. It can dry out and lose flavor. Don't skip searing; it enhances the taste. Also, make sure the sauce simmers before adding the chicken. If you forget to shred the chicken before mixing, you get big chunks instead of tender bites. Follow these tips to enjoy a perfect meal. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. {{image_2}} Adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. You can mix in spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Just chop them up and add them to the slow cooker. This adds fiber and vitamins without changing the dish's taste much. When you cook the chicken, the veggies soften and soak up the garlic and Parmesan flavors. Switching the pasta type can change the meal's vibe. You can use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Gluten-free pasta works if you need that. Try penne or rotini instead of spaghetti. The shape of the pasta can hold more sauce, giving you a new texture. Each type brings its own fun twist to the dish. If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in jalapeños for a kick. For a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream or a splash of cream cheese. This makes the sauce richer and more filling. Adjust the amounts to your taste. Each small change can make a big difference in flavor. For a complete guide to making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing. Place it in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. Label the container with the date, so you know when to use it. Reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or the stove. For the microwave, place a portion on a plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat for about one to two minutes, stirring halfway. On the stove, add a splash of chicken broth in a pan. Heat over low, stirring until warmed through. Want to save some for later? You can freeze the dish! First, cool the pasta completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your creamy garlic goodness anytime! Check the Full Recipe if you want to make it again. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to increase the cooking time. If you cook on low, aim for about 6 hours. For high, cook for about 3 to 4 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. This dish pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette adds freshness. Garlic bread brings extra flavor and is great for scooping up sauce. You can also serve roasted vegetables on the side for added nutrients. For a fun twist, try some crusty bread for dipping. You learned how to make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. We covered the key ingredients that make it great and tips for the best taste. You now know how to sear chicken well and prepare a tasty garlic sauce. Feel free to make it your own by adding veggies or changing the pasta type. Remember, storing leftovers is easy, and reheating is simple too. Enjoy this dish for many meals to come!

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that will impress your family and friends! This easy recipe combines tender chicken and rich flavors for a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this comforting dish with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

      Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the garlic broth over the chicken and add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

        Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

          Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

            Combine Pasta: While the chicken is cooling, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.

              Finish the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Mix until smooth and creamy, then return the shredded chicken to the sauce.

                Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring well to coat all the pasta in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let it warm through for an additional 10 minutes on low.

                  Serve: Scoop the creamy pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 4