Ingredients
To recreate this comforting dish, you’ll need:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the heart of the dish, absorbing all the rich flavors during the slow cooking process.
– Italian dressing: This adds a zesty kick, bringing back memories of the vibrant flavors I encountered in the markets of Italy.
– Cream cheese: For that creamy texture that wraps around each pasta strand like a warm hug.
– Grated Parmesan cheese: A nod to my time in Italy, where I learned that a sprinkle of Parmesan can transform any meal.
– Penne pasta: The perfect vessel to capture all that delicious sauce.
– Minced garlic: A homage to my grandmother, whose kitchen always smelled of roasting garlic and love.
– Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness, much like the herbs from Nonna Rosa’s garden.
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Base**: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour the Italian dressing over the top, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step always reminds me of my mother’s flair for improvisation, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
2. **Add the Creaminess**: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and place them over the chicken. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic on top. This creamy mixture will meld beautifully as it cooks.
3. **Slow Cook**: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow process allows the flavors to develop deeply, much like the simmering sauces of my childhood that filled our home with mouthwatering aromas.
4. **Prepare the Pasta**: About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. **Combine and Serve**: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks right in the crockpot. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International