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- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 3 cloves garlic, minced These main ingredients are key to a rich, creamy sauce. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding. The chicken broth adds depth, while heavy cream and cream cheese create a smooth texture. Garlic brings a fragrant kick, making each bite delicious. - 8 oz penne pasta (or your choice) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Penne pasta works great here, but feel free to swap it. Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that enhances the dish. Use salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for flavor. - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - 1 cup frozen peas Garnishes add a nice touch. Grated Parmesan melts into the dish, boosting creaminess. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Frozen peas brighten the plate and add a pop of sweetness. - Seasoning the chicken First, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure the chicken is covered well. This adds great flavor as it cooks. - Combining the creamy mixture In a medium bowl, mix the chicken broth, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic. Whisk it until everything is smooth. Pour this creamy mix over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. - Setting the cooking time and temperature Secure the lid on your crockpot. Set it to cook on low heat for about 4 to 5 hours. You know the chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork. - Shredding the chicken Carefully take out the cooked chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. - Adding pasta and peas Now, add the uncooked penne pasta and the frozen peas directly into the crockpot. Stir everything well, making sure the pasta is covered in the creamy sauce. - Final cooking time Cover the pot again and let it cook on low for an extra 30 to 40 minutes. This time helps the pasta cook through and reach your desired tenderness. To get a smooth texture, start with softened cream cheese. If it’s cold, it may not mix well. Whisk it with heavy cream and chicken broth until it’s smooth. This helps it blend into the dish. After mixing, taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. You want it to be just right for your palate. Cooking time can change based on your crockpot and chicken size. If you use larger chicken breasts, it may need more time. A good sign the dish is ready is when the chicken shreds easily with a fork. Also, check the pasta for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. For a beautiful presentation, serve the pasta in bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This adds color and flavor. Pair it with garlic bread for a complete meal. The warm, crusty bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the pasta in this dish. If you don't have penne, use rotini or farfalle. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well. For protein, chicken is great, but try turkey for a leaner choice. You can even use tofu for a fun vegetarian twist. Want to add some color and nutrients? Toss in spinach or bell peppers. They add texture and flavor. You can also play with herbs and spices. Try adding thyme or oregano for a different taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat, too. If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available today. For a low-carb choice, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles. They cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy a tasty meal without the carbs! To keep your leftover creamy chicken pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always let it cool before sealing the container. Avoid stacking hot food directly into containers to prevent steam buildup. You can reheat your pasta in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, about one minute, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, place the pasta in a pan with a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir on low heat until warmed through. This keeps your pasta creamy and delicious. To freeze leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of cream or broth to restore creamy texture. How long can I keep leftover creamy chicken pasta? You can keep the creamy chicken pasta in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to eat it later, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. The chicken will cook through and become tender. What if my pasta is overcooked or undercooked? If the pasta is overcooked, it may be mushy. You can try to add some fresh pasta to the mix and cook it a bit more. For undercooked pasta, add a bit more chicken broth or water and cook longer. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin? To thicken the sauce, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch. Just dissolve one tablespoon of cornstarch in cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Turn up the heat for a few minutes until it thickens. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe. It will still give you that creamy texture and flavor, but with fewer calories. What can substitute for chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or even water if you don’t have broth. Keep in mind that using vegetable broth will slightly change the flavor, but it still works great! This blog covered the creamy chicken pasta recipe, from ingredients to cooking tips. You learned about essential items like chicken breasts, broth, and penne pasta. I shared handy tips for texture, cooking times, and serving suggestions. You can also explore ingredient swaps and storage methods for leftovers. Cooking this dish can be simple and flexible. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this meal your own. Remember, cooking is fun, and every dish is a chance to learn!

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Bring comfort to your dinner table with this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight recipe! This simple, creamy dish combines tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal the whole family will love. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious dinner that is both easy to make and full of flavor. Click to explore this recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

8 oz penne pasta (or your pasta of choice)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.

    In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic. Whisk them together until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot.

      Secure the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for approximately 4 to 5 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked through and can be easily shredded with a fork.

        Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot for further mixing.

          Add the uncooked penne pasta and the frozen peas directly into the crockpot. Stir everything together well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover the pot and continue cooking on low for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired level of tenderness.

            Once the pasta is cooked, incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the texture becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary.

              Serve the pasta hot, generously garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, serve the dish in bowls with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal!