If you’re in need of a comforting, creamy pasta dish that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I’ve made this dish countless times, drawn by its rich flavors and the ease it brings to dinner preparations. There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a savory aroma wafting through the house, inviting you to sit down and enjoy a bowl of deliciousness. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or you’re entertaining friends, this recipe is a surefire hit that will leave you and your guests raving about its flavor and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
One of the standout features of this recipe is how it beautifully combines flavors without demanding hours of your time in the kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, utilizing just a few affordable ingredients, and appeals to both adults and kids alike—perfect for family dinners! Plus, you can customize it in plenty of ways depending on your mood.
"This was a hit at our family dinner! The sauce was so creamy and flavorful; everyone went for seconds!" — Sarah K.
Whether you’re short on time during the week or looking for a go-to recipe for a cozy weekend binge-watch session, this dish is fantastic. It also makes use of a slow cooker, which means less fuss and more time for you.
Step-by-Step Overview
Making the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a breeze! You’ll need to layer your ingredients in the slow cooker, let it do the work, and then boil some pasta to mix in. It’s as simple as that. Here’s a brief outline of the process:
- Season the chicken and place it in the crockpot.
- Add the creamy sauce ingredients and broth.
- Cook the chicken until tender and shred it.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and cream.
This straightforward approach is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a novice cook or just looking for a no-fuss dinner option.
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful meal:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Feel free to swap out pasta types based on your preference or even try a gluten-free version!
Directions to Follow
- Prep the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the sauce components: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add the Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine it with the sauce.
- Cook the pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the crockpot.
- Bring it all together: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring everything until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your dining experience, serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables can add a nice contrast to the creamy pasta, too! Top it off with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish can also be frozen, so feel free to make a double batch! When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture and avoid dryness.
Tricks for Success
- Don’t rush the cooking: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to cook on low for the full 4-5 hours.
- Enhance the flavors: Feel free to throw in some sautéed onions or red peppers with the chicken for extra flavor.
- Creamy consistency: If it’s too thick after combining, a little extra chicken broth or cream will bring it back to the perfect sauciness.
Creative Twists
Experiment with different herbs or additional spices to customize the flavor of your pasta. Adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can give the dish a fresh twist, or swap the Parmesan for a different cheese to modify its flavor profile. You could even replace the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation!
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, making it very convenient for busy days.
Can I substitute chicken with something else?
Yes! Feel free to use turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like mushrooms or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
How should I store any leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well; just thaw and reheat while adding a touch of cream to maintain consistency.
Now, with this guide, you’re all set to create an incredible meal that will impress anyone at your table! Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and make it a staple in your recipe rotation.
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Description
A comforting, creamy pasta dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add the Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine it with the sauce.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the crockpot.
- Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring everything until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Enjoy warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to swap out pasta types or use turkey or a vegetarian protein for a customized dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crockpot, pasta, chicken, easy recipe, creamy, comfort food