Pasta with Chicken, Garlic, and Parmesan in a Slow Cooker: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

Nothing says "welcome home" like the aroma of a hearty dish simmering in your kitchen, especially when it’s Pasta with Chicken, Garlic, and Parmesan in a Slow Cooker. If you’re a busy woman juggling work, appointments, and family time, this recipe is about to become your secret weapon! It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes weeknights feel like a gourmet experience without requiring a Michelin-starred chef’s skills (thank goodness, right?).

Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Chicken, Garlic, and Parmesan in a Slow Cooker

Imagine this: you wake up in the morning, throw some ingredients into your slow cooker, and then forget about it for hours. It’s like setting a culinary magic spell to make dinner appear while you tackle your hectic day. When you return, a delicious meal awaits, just waiting to be devoured. What could be better than that?

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather our dream team of ingredients:

• 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trust me, they’re juicier!)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced (because more garlic is always a good idea)
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional, but totally fancy)

Steps

1. Get It All In: In your slow cooker, combine the uncooked penne, chicken thighs, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together like you’re mixing up a potion of deliciousness.

2. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours. This is the part where you can kick back, catch up on your favorite show, or join a hobby—you deserve it!

3. Check the Chicken: After about 4 hours, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart with ease—no gym membership required!

4. Finish It Up: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, sprinkle in the glorious Parmesan cheese, and stir until it’s creamy and cheese-tastic. If you want to be a little extra, let it cook for another 10-15 minutes on low for extra cheesy goodness.

5. Serve and Garnish: Dish it out into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and watch as everyone dives in faster than you can say “Pass the Parmesan!”

Cooking Tips

• Make It Your Own: Feeling adventurous? You can add in some veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and that colorful pop on your plate.
• Storage Solutions: Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave, and voilà—lunch is served!

Personal Anecdote

This easy pasta dish quickly became my family’s favorite after my kids declared it “better than pizza night!” (I know, right? That’s some serious competition!) It has since found a permanent spot in my weekly menu because who doesn’t love something that pleases everyone at the table?

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as fine, but thighs add that juicy tenderness you can’t resist.

How can I store leftovers?
Place your leftover pasta in an airtight container; it’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. Don’t forget—no one likes soggy pasta!

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No worries! You can make this dish on the stovetop—just cook everything in a large pot for about 20-25 minutes until the pasta is tender.

As you dive into this Pasta with Chicken, Garlic, and Parmesan in a Slow Cooker recipe, remember that you are crafting not just a meal but a moment. Gather your loved ones around, share a few laughter-filled stories, and enjoy every bite. Cooking is all about connection, and I’m glad you’re here to make these delicious memories with me!

Now, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking! If you’re looking for more recipes that fit into your busy schedule, check out my Easy Dinner Ideas for more family-friendly promotions and meals.

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Pasta with Chicken, Garlic, and Parmesan in a Slow Cooker

A quick and easy pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights, made in a slow cooker with chicken, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Thighs are juicier than breasts.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced More garlic is always a good idea.
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish Optional, but adds a nice touch.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In your slow cooker, combine the uncooked penne, chicken thighs, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together.

Cooking

1. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours.
2. After about 4 hours, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, and stir until creamy. Optionally, let it cook for another 10-15 minutes on low for extra cheesiness.

Serving

1. Dish it out into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.

Notes

Feel free to add in veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.