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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 192 reviews

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked with aromatic garlic, fresh carrots, diced onion, and fragrant herbs in a rich butter sauce. Tossed with al dente rotini pasta and sweet peas, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, this meal is effortless to prepare and packed with homestyle flavor.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Proteins

  • 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables

  • 4 carrots, peeled and sliced about ½ inch thick
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Dairy & Fats

  • ½ cup salted butter, cut into slices
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper

Carbohydrates

  • 1 lb. rotini pasta, cooked al dente (added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients and add to slow cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs, minced garlic, diced white onion, sliced carrots, salted butter, dried thyme, dried basil, sea salt, and pepper into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Arrange evenly for thorough cooking.
  2. Slow cook the chicken mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
  3. Cook the pasta: When the slow cooking time is complete, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  4. Shred the chicken and combine: Using two forks, shred the slow-cooked chicken inside the slow cooker. Stir in the frozen peas and the cooked, drained rotini pasta.
  5. Heat peas through: Cover the slow cooker again and let it sit for a few minutes until the peas are warmed through.
  6. Serve with Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving for a rich and savory finish.

Notes

  • Using boneless skinless chicken thighs provides tender and juicy meat that holds up well in slow cooking.
  • Butter slices help infuse the dish with a rich, creamy flavor as it melts slowly.
  • Add peas at the end to maintain their bright color and fresh taste without overcooking.
  • Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • If preferred, use low-sodium butter or reduce added salt to control sodium levels.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein, and omit the Parmesan or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/slow-cooker-garlic-butter-chicken-pasta-recipe/