This recipe for the best crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is your go-to comfort food for busy days. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, you can create a delicious meal with minimal effort. By letting the crockpot do all the work, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that is sure to please your entire family.
Why We Love This The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
There’s something special about this crockpot chicken pasta that makes it a favorite among home cooks. Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but the combination of garlic and Parmesan creates an irresistible aroma as it cooks. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes wonderfully tender, while the creaminess of the cheese sauce wraps every bite in comfort. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish delivers satisfying flavors and is perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients about The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful dish. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with all the ingredients; they are easy to find and come together beautifully.
- 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
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Directions
Making this delicious dish is a straightforward process that yields mouth-watering results. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your crockpot. Make sure to spread them out evenly for even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings will bring out the best flavors.
- Add the Broth and Cheeses: Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This liquid will keep the chicken moist as it slow cooks. Next, layer the grated Parmesan cheese and the cubed cream cheese on top. Finally, add the minced garlic to give it that extra kick of flavor.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should cook until fully tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This will allow the chicken to absorb more of the delicious sauce.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil a pot of water and cook your pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. The pasta should be firm yet fully cooked.
- Combine and Creamify: Drain the pasta, then add it to the crockpot with the shredded chicken. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the dish hot, ladling it into bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for that added flavor.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Serving this dish is as easy as creating the recipe itself. You can present it in a large serving bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. For a more elegant touch, serve it in individual bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad on the side, or you can serve it with warm, crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce. Enjoy it alongside your favorite beverage for a complete meal.
Expert Tips: The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Here are some expert tips that will help you achieve the best results with your crockpot chicken pasta:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and quality cheeses. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor and richness of the dish.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: For maximum tenderness, allow the chicken to cook for the recommended time. This will ensure it’s fully cooked and easy to shred.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a bit more cream cheese or Parmesan cheese. Conversely, for a lighter dish, use less cream.
- Experiment with Pasta: While penne and rotini are great choices, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just make sure it cooks well and holds onto the sauce.
How to Store The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Storing your leftover chicken pasta is easy and quick. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To do this, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Feel free to get creative with your crockpot chicken pasta recipe! Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporating fresh veggies can enhance both flavor and nutrition. Consider adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the pot during the last hour of cooking.
- Different Cheeses: While Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, you can mix things up by adding mozzarella or Asiago cheese. This will give your dish a different twist while still maintaining creaminess.
- Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to your spice mix. This can give your dish an exciting kick that complements the garlic flavor beautifully.
- Make it Light: Substitute the heavy cream with a lighter dairy option, such as Greek yogurt. This can reduce the overall calories while still keeping the dish creamy.
FAQ
What makes this the best crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe?
This recipe stands out because it combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs—all cooked in one pot. The ease of preparation and the delicious final product make it a top choice for any weeknight dinner.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, you may need to extend the cooking time by an hour or more. Ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
What can I serve with this pasta dish?
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both options complement the flavors of the dish and make for a satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the recipe in advance and then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to add the pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply warm the leftover pasta on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
For Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your crockpot, spreading them out evenly.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, layer with grated Parmesan cheese and cubed cream cheese, then add minced garlic.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
Pasta Preparation
- While chicken is cooking, boil water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Combine
- Drain the pasta and add it to the crockpot with the shredded chicken.
- Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until pasta is well-coated.
Serving
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
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