Slow Cooker Kickin' Chicken Pasta
Try this Slow Cooker Kickin' Chicken Pasta recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Kickin' Chicken Pasta recipe.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 medium zucchini chopped
- 2 cups fat free reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb raw boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 oz parmesan cheese finely shredded
- 3 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup frank’s red hot (or similar hot sauce)
- 10 oz dry linguine pasta (i used barilla)
- Carbohydrate 5.76578517036179 g
- Cholesterol 8.31586010933333 mg
- Fat 3.03287587508794 g
- Fiber 1.28806964399798 g
- Protein 5.2291733847552 g
- Saturated Fat 1.67323850488173 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1 1/3 cups) serving (310g)
- Sodium 656.213737458743 mg
- Sugar 4.47771552636381 g
- Trans Fat 0.34814272587349 g
- Calories 67 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken, zucchini, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, red pepper flakes and basil into your slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
- Turn the slow cooker to high if it isn’t already.
- Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred using two forks (should shred very easily).
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the cream cheese cubes and shredded Parmesan.
- Add the linguine (break up if necessary) and make sure it is covered by the liquid.
- Replace the lid and cook on high for 45 minutes or until the pasta is cooked, stirring every 15-20 minutes or so to break up the pasta.
My Unexpected Slow Cooker Adventure: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic scramble to get something nutritious and palatable on the table before the kids melt down and the dog starts eyeing my shoes with unsettling intensity. So when I discovered the magic of the slow cooker, my life (and my sanity) changed.
I’ve always considered myself a decent cook, but the idea of spending an hour each evening chopping, sautéing, and simmering just isn't realistic. Enter the slow cooker, my new kitchen best friend. This incredible appliance allows me to throw ingredients into a pot in the morning, go about my day, and return to a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal waiting for me in the evening. It’s a game changer, truly.
This Slow Cooker Kickin' Chicken Pasta recipe is a testament to the slow cooker's versatility. The flavors meld beautifully over the long cooking time, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. I love the convenience – and the fact that it practically cooks itself! The chicken becomes incredibly tender, the pasta cooks perfectly in the broth, and the cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often tweak it depending on what's in my fridge. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, and I've experimented with different types of pasta (fettuccine works wonderfully!). Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the Frank's RedHot for a different hot sauce to personalize the spice level. One of the things I enjoy most is the ability to easily adapt recipes to my family’s preferences.
This recipe isn't just for weeknights; it's also perfect for those lazy weekends when you want a delicious, comforting meal without all the fuss. The slow cooker handles everything, allowing you to relax and enjoy your free time. The aromas that waft from the slow cooker as it simmers are intoxicating—a promise of a delicious meal and a stress-free evening. It’s an absolute winner.
Beyond the recipe, I wanted to share some tips for maximizing your slow cooker's potential:
- Embrace leftovers: This recipe makes a great amount, which means delicious lunches for the next couple of days.
- Prep ahead: Chop your vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different combinations of spices and vegetables to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Use your slow cooker for more than just pasta: It’s amazing for stews, soups, chili, and even desserts!
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and time-saving recipe that will impress your family and friends, give this Slow Cooker Kickin' Chicken Pasta a try. It’s become a staple in my household, a go-to when I need a comforting meal without the stress of complex preparation. It’s the kind of recipe that makes even the busiest weeknights feel a little more manageable, a little more peaceful. And in the world of a working mom, that’s invaluable.
Beyond the recipe, this slow cooker chicken pasta speaks to something deeper for me: the quiet satisfaction of a well-executed meal, a moment of calm in the midst of a busy life. It represents a simple pleasure, a delicious reward for the day's work, and a reminder that even amid the chaos, there's always time for a home-cooked meal that brings joy to those you love. And for me, that's the most important ingredient of all.
