The Best Pasta Fagioli Recipe You’ll Ever Make

This slow-cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. Made with tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is an effortless way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Crockpot Meal: Set it and forget it—no fuss, just flavor.
Rich & Creamy: A luscious Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
Healthier Ingredients: Uses light cream cheese and whole wheat pasta for a better balance.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for leftovers and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (8-ounce) block reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces whole wheat or high-fiber pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • ½ cup skim milk (for thinning the sauce, if needed)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Crockpot:

  • Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Add minced garlic and pour in the chicken broth.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

Shred & Add the Sauce:

  • Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
  • Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Cook the Pasta:

  • While the sauce is coming together, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  • Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, stirring to coat.
  • If the sauce is too thick, stir in skim milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve & Enjoy:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 350
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 3g

Tips for a Healthier Version

  • Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds fiber and keeps the meal balanced.
  • Opt for Reduced-Fat Dairy: Light cream cheese and skim milk keep it creamy without excess fat.
  • Control Sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and seasonings.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra nutrients.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Effortless & Flavorful: The slow cooker does all the work while building deep, rich flavors.
  • Creamy Yet Light: Smart ingredient swaps keep it indulgent but balanced.
  • Family-Friendly: A meal everyone will love, perfect for busy weeknights.

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate easy and creamy dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect go-to meal for any night of the week!

The Best Pasta Fagioli Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

Pasta e Fagioli (pronounced “pasta eh fah-joh-lee”) is a classic Italian comfort dish that combines tender pasta, creamy beans, and a rich tomato-based broth. This hearty, rustic soup is packed with flavor from garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, making it a satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s budget-friendly, nutritious, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken & Sauce:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 (8-ounce) block reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces whole wheat or high-fiber pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)

  • ½ cup skim milk (for thinning the sauce, if needed)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Prep the Crockpot:
    Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
    Add minced garlic and pour in the chicken broth.
  • Slow Cook the Chicken:
    Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
  • Shred & Add the Sauce:
    Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
    Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and well combined.
  • Cook the Pasta:
    While the sauce is coming together, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
    Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, stirring to coat.
    If the sauce is too thick, stir in skim milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Serve & Enjoy:
    Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds fiber and keeps the meal balanced.
    Opt for Reduced-Fat Dairy: Light cream cheese and skim milk keep it creamy without excess fat.
    Control Sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and seasonings.
    Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra nutrients.

Leave a Comment