If you’re looking for an ultra-creamy, flavor-packed dish that requires minimal effort but tastes like a million bucks, this creamy Parmesan garlic chicken is where it’s at. It’s so good, you’ll be scraping the last bit off the plate. Here’s how to whip it up!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer, both work great)
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz)
- 8 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz Parmesan garlic sauce (you can find this in the pasta or sauce aisle)
- A splash of milk (for thinning, just enough to get that perfect creamy consistency)
- Rotini noodles (or your favorite pasta)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Throw your 2 lbs of chicken into the crockpot. No need to worry about cutting or anything—just toss the chicken breasts or thighs in whole.
- Add the Creamy Ingredients:
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crockpot. Then, dump in the 8 oz of grated Parmesan cheese, and pour in the 12 oz of Parmesan garlic sauce. Add a splash of milk—just enough to make sure the sauce is smooth and creamy once it melts.
- Let it Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for about 4 hours. The chicken will get nice and tender, so shredding it will be a breeze.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the time’s up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix everything together really well so the sauce coats all that chicken.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While your chicken mixture is finishing up, cook your rotini noodles (or any pasta you like) according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the creamy chicken mixture over your cooked pasta. Stir it together so the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies of the noodles.
Why This Recipe is Amazing:
- Flavor Bomb: The combo of Parmesan, garlic sauce, and cream cheese makes for an irresistibly creamy, cheesy sauce with a punch of savory goodness.
- Minimal Effort: The crockpot does most of the work. You just throw everything in, set it, and forget it—easy peasy.
- Comfort Food Vibes: This dish is ultra-comforting. The creamy, cheesy sauce is rich and satisfying, perfect for when you want something indulgent but don’t have the time to slave over the stove.
- Leftover Love: If you’ve got leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully for lunch the next day, so it’s a win-win.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
- A: Yes! You can use frozen chicken; just make sure it cooks for a little longer, maybe closer to 5 hours. Always check for safe internal temperature (165°F).
Q: Can I make this with other types of cheese?
- A: Absolutely! You can mix it up by adding mozzarella or even a bit of Asiago for extra sharpness. Just keep the Parmesan as the base for that rich, nutty flavor.
Q: What else can I serve this with besides pasta?
- A: This would also be great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even a bed of sautéed spinach if you’re looking to keep it low-carb.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
- A: Yep, this dish freezes really well. Just store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, thaw it out and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Benefits of This Recipe:
- Hands-off Cooking: Throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the heavy lifting. You don’t have to stand over the stove all day.
- Affordable: With simple ingredients, this meal is budget-friendly and easy to scale for larger families or meal prepping.
- Comforting and Filling: The creamy sauce is rich and satisfying, and it sticks to your ribs without being too heavy. Perfect for a cozy night in.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheese, add extra veggies (like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes), or change up the protein with turkey or pork—this recipe is super versatile.
This dish is one of those “throw it together and forget about it” meals that always tastes way fancier than the minimal effort required. Trust me, you’re gonna love this creamy, cheesy goodness. Enjoy! 😋