Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn't demand hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This Crockpot Chicken Pasta recipe with cream cheese is your new weeknight hero. It’s incredibly easy, surprisingly healthy, and delivers a rich, creamy pasta dish that the whole family will adore. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with minimal effort – this is one of those delicious dishes that's both satisfying and simple.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 ounce) package pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic. This simple seasoning adds depth of flavor to the chicken.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Pour the chicken broth and milk over the chicken. The liquid ensures the chicken cooks evenly and adds to the creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Creamy Dreamy Sauce
Stir in the softened cream cheese until it's completely melted and incorporated into the cooking liquid. This creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Step 6: Pasta Time
Add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the chicken and creamy sauce. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes on high, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie boost: Throw in some chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Leftovers: This dish is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy, delicious, and convenient way to enjoy a comforting pasta dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and let us know how your Crockpot Chicken Pasta turns out! We love hearing from our readers!