Description
This hearty, comforting pasta dish is made in the crockpot, where tender chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. The sauce melds beautifully with al dente pasta and bursts of cherry tomatoes, creating an Italian-American classic perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite type)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Pre-Sear the Chicken:** Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and lightly sear the chicken on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). Transfer the chicken to your crockpot.
2. **Build the Base:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Italian seasoning.
3. **Slow Cook:** Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5–6 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours) until the chicken is tender.
4. **Finish the Sauce:** About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. **Prepare the Pasta:** Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken sauce and gently mix until well combined. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
– For leaner meat, you may substitute chicken breasts; however, thighs tend to remain juicier during slow cooking.
– Always cook pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the crockpot.
– Feel free to add extra vegetables (like spinach or broccoli) during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
– Adjust the sauce consistency with a splash more broth if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg