When you’re looking for a meal that combines ease with deliciousness, The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a standout choice. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, and savory garlic for a pasta delight that earns rave reviews. Imagine filling your home with the inviting aroma of garlic as the chicken gently cooks throughout the day. What could be more tempting than that? This recipe is not just about the flavors; it’s about simplifying your cooking process without compromising quality. Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Why We Love This The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
One of the greatest joys of cooking is sharing hearty, satisfying meals with loved ones, and this recipe encapsulates that experience. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken is juicy and full of flavor, while the creamy sauce binds everything together in the most delightful way. You’ll love how the garlic and Parmesan infuse warmth into every bite, making it an immediate hit with both friends and family. Plus, the cleanup is minimal, requiring only one pot, which is always a win in the kitchen.
Every component of this dish works in harmony. The chicken absorbs the broth and seasonings, ensuring that no bite is bland. The addition of cream and cheese creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to your choice of pasta. Whether you choose penne, rotini, or any favorite shape, you’re sure to have a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist.
Ingredients about The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To craft this scrumptious dish, gather the following 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
These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that is both creamy and packed with flavor!
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Directions
Getting this dish ready is straightforward and stress-free; it’s all about layering and letting your crockpot do its magic. Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and laying them at the bottom of the crockpot. It’s important that they’re arranged evenly so they cook well.
Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper generously over the chicken. These spices infuse flavor deeply into the meat, giving it that unforgettable taste everyone will love.
Now, pour in the chicken broth. This is essential for keeping the chicken moist as it cooks. Then, take your grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top, followed by the cubed cream cheese. The cream cheese will melt beautifully, creating a rich sauce that binds the dish together. Lastly, add in the minced garlic, which will elevate the flavor profile and give the meal its aromatic essence.
Once all ingredients are in the pot, cover it and set your crockpot to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. While that’s happening, you can prepare your pasta!
When the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the chicken. Use two forks to gently pull apart the chicken right inside the crockpot. As you do this, stir all the ingredients together to ensure the chicken is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Now, cook your chosen pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and add it directly to the crockpot. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half at this stage. This addition enhances the creaminess of the dish and ensures that each bit of pasta is perfectly coated.
Give everything a final stir, and voilà—you are ready to serve this creamy, dreamy pasta dish!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serving this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is as simple as it is rewarding. You can scoop generous portions onto plates, making it a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. This not only adds a splash of color but also a fresh flavor that beautifully complements the dish.
If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top just before serving. This little addition gives an extra creamy dimension and enhances the dining experience. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round off the meal, and watch as smiles appear at the table!
Expert Tips: The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality cheese for the best results. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding more cream cheese or reducing the amount of chicken broth slightly. This allows you to customize the creaminess to your liking.
- Go Easy on the Seasonings: If you are sensitive to salt, you can reduce the amount of added salt as both the Parmesan cheese and chicken broth already contain sodium.
- Let It Rest: After shredding the chicken, allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.
- Experiment with Pastas: While penne and rotini are excellent choices, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta for added fun.
How to Store The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Storing leftovers is easy and ensures you can enjoy this dish again. Allow any leftover chicken pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, allowing you to have an easy meal ready at a moment’s notice. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy sauce, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Variation of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its versatility. If you want to shake things up, consider these variations:
- Add Veggies: Incorporate some steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish. Not only does this boost nutrition, but it also adds color and texture.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella or Asiago, for a unique taste profile.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp or turkey for a different protein twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta so special?
The slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and infused with flavors from the garlic and Parmesan. The creamy sauce ties everything together, making it a delicious meal that suits busy lifestyles.
Can I make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just set it to cook in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you in the evening.
How should I adjust the cooking time if I use frozen chicken?
If using frozen chicken breasts, you might want to extend the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What pasta types work best with this recipe?
While penne and rotini are classic choices, you can also use fusilli, farfalle, or any favorite pasta shape. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you select.
Can I substitute heavy cream in this recipe?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even whole milk can be substituted. However, this will slightly alter the creaminess of the final dish.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main 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 cream cheese, cubed and softened (8 oz)
- 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
Preparation
- Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by the cubed cream cheese.
- Add minced garlic to the crockpot.
- Cover and set the crockpot to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Pasta
- When cooking time is up, shred the chicken using two forks in the crockpot.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.
Final Steps
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Give everything a final stir and serve hot.
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