Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, rich flavors, and creamy sauce—all conveniently cooked in your trusty slow cooker. This recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and the delightful aroma it fills your kitchen with as it cooks. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish for a family gathering, this creamy pasta solution is bound to be a hit at your table.
Why We Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This recipe is not just about the incredible taste; it’s also about the convenience it brings to your busy life. Imagine coming home to a warm, hearty meal that required minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and the ability to walk away while your slow cooker works its magic, it allows you more time to focus on your day. Plus, the combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a flavor profile that’s comforting and irresistibly delicious. The heartiness of the pasta paired with the creamy chicken sauce provides a satisfying meal that everyone will adore.
Ingredients about Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Directions
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. You want to ensure that the chicken is the star of the show, so arrange them in a single layer if possible. Next, pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the chicken. The broth not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during the cooking process.
Now it’s time to season your chicken. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top, which will infuse a wonderful aroma into the dish. Add in the dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. These herbs and spices work together to elevate the meal with aromatic qualities. After seasoning, distribute the butter cubes over the chicken. The butter will melt slowly during cooking, adding a rich creaminess to the sauce.
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded with two forks when it’s done. After shredding the chicken, return it to the sauce in the crockpot for extra flavor infusion.
Now comes the creamy part! Add the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream to the crockpot, stirring to combine the ingredients. This creates a rich sauce that will coat the chicken and pasta perfectly. While the sauce is developing its creamy goodness, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until fully combined. This is where the magic happens; the pasta absorbs all that amazing flavor from the chicken and sauce. Serve this dish immediately while it’s warm and comforting. You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for that extra touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serving this delectable dish is as simple as can be. You’ll want to present it hot and fresh right out of the crockpot. Using a large spoon or serving ladle, serve generous portions of pasta with the creamy chicken on a deep plate or bowl.
This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You might also consider offering warm breadsticks or garlic bread alongside to soak up any remaining sauce—a great complement to the rich flavors. If you want to impress your guests, consider garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese. This adds not only visual appeal but a burst of flavor that everyone will appreciate.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For best results, follow these tried-and-true tips. First, don’t skip the searing of the chicken if you have the time. Searing the chicken quickly in a pan before placing it in the crockpot enhances flavor and locks in moisture, giving your dish that homemade taste.
Use fresh herbs if available! While dried herbs work well, fresh herbs can elevate flavors significantly. If you choose to use fresh thyme, basil, or oregano, triple the amount since their fresh flavor is more potent than dried ones.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue to cook the mixture on high after adding the cream and cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mix in some cornstarch with water to thicken it up quickly.
Feel free to customize or add veggies into your dish! Adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can bring a new dimension to your pasta, enhancing both the visual appeal and nutritional value.
Lastly, if you easily entertain or have leftovers, consider doubling the chicken broth to ensure there’s enough sauce for the pasta. This will keep your meal creamy even if you’re making a larger batch.
How to Store Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Storing your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is easy. Once your dish has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into a sealed airtight container. You can keep the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for the best quality.
To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short bursts until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help restore its creamy consistency.
For longer storage, consider freezing your dish. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
Variation of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to create various versions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can swap out the pasta type for whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lighter dish.
Add more vegetables! Broccoli, bell peppers, and even peas can mix into your dish seamlessly. Just remember these veggies typically require less cooking time, so it’s best to add them in the last hour on low or 30 minutes on high cooking time.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or crushed fresh peppers to the seasoning mix. If you enjoy a tangy twist, consider mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious contrasting flavor.
If you are not a fan of cream sauces, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative, like half-and-half or even sauté some mushrooms and blend them into a puree for a unique texture.
Experimenting with this dish is encouraged! Your culinary creativity can elevate it further, making the meal special to you and your family.
FAQ
What type of chicken is best for slow cooker recipes?
For slow cooker recipes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best due to their versatility and low-fat content. However, you can also use thighs for a richer flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this slow cooker recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly—approximately 7-8 hours on low should suffice.
Can I make this recipe without pasta?
Absolutely! If you want to keep it low-carb, feel free to skip the pasta altogether and serve the creamy chicken over steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can test the chicken with two forks; it should shred easily.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping! Make a batch at the beginning of the week and divide it into portions. Just store them in sealed containers in the fridge or freezer.
Cooking with your crockpot opens up a world of delicious options, and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is no exception. Your journey into flavorful, uncomplicated cooking is just one recipe away!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use thigh for more flavor if desired.
- 2 cups chicken broth Can increase for extra sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic Adjust according to taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Fresh thyme can be used (triple the amount).
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Fresh basil can be used (triple the amount).
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Fresh oregano can be used (triple the amount).
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter Cut into cubes to melt into sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Extra for garnish.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with lighter cream.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini) Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free.
Optional Garnishes
- to taste chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
- to taste extra Parmesan cheese For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer.
- Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken, followed by thyme, basil, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Distribute butter cubes over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the sauce in the crockpot.
Final Steps
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream to the crockpot, stirring to combine.
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until fully combined.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!