The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and simple meal. It is perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken with creamy Parmesan sauce and pasta, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. The crockpot does most of the work for you, making it easy to enjoy a hearty dinner.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love this recipe. First, it is easy to prepare. You only need to add the ingredients to the crockpot and let it do its magic. Second, this dish is full of flavor. The garlic and Parmesan cheese create a rich sauce that makes every bite taste amazing. The pasta adds a nice texture, making it a satisfying meal.
Another reason you will enjoy this recipe is its versatility. You can use different types of pasta, or even add vegetables to make it your own. Plus, it is a great meal for family gatherings or busy weeknights. Finally, leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy this dish for days after making it.
HOW TO MAKE Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure they are spaced out evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This step adds flavor to the chicken.
- Add Broth and Cheese: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic. These ingredients create a creamy sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Stir everything together to mix the chicken with the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot with the shredded chicken. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir everything until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm. You can add extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for a nice presentation.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this recipe, you will need:
- A crockpot
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Forks for shredding chicken
- A stirring spoon
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
- Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half, stir everything together until pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You can serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a big bowl or on individual plates. Garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This pasta goes well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until warm. If you want to freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- A fresh garden salad with your favorite dressing.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping in the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy side.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
VARIATIONS
You can easily make this recipe your own by changing a few ingredients:
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try using turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add Vegetables: Add cooked spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Replace some of the Parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a different taste.
- Use Gluten-Free Pasta: If you need a gluten-free dish, swap the regular pasta with a gluten-free variety.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour when cooking on low or 30 minutes on high.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Yes, if you don’t want to use cream cheese, you can replace it with additional heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the crockpot.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this dish is typically a hit with kids due to its creamy texture and mild flavors. You can adjust the seasonings to make it even milder if needed.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you want to prepare ahead for this recipe, you can:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken and place it in a bag with the seasonings the night before. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
- Chop Ingredients: Prep your garlic and measure out the cheese and other ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
- Cook Pasta Early: If you have time, you can cook the pasta in advance and just reheat it before adding it to the crockpot.
By following these tips, you will have an easy and quick meal ready when you need it. Enjoy your cooking with this simple and satisfying dish!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A delicious and simple meal of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and pasta cooked perfectly in the crockpot.
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
- Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half, stir everything together until pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
This dish reheats well and can be frozen for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crockpot, pasta, chicken, garlic, parmesan, easy dinner
