The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal effort, look no further than this delightful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting meal the whole family will adore. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
Why make this recipe
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful, absorbing all the delicious seasonings and cheese. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences.
How to make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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
Directions:
- 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 the 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 the 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
This dish is best served warm, straight from the crockpot. You can plate it up individually or serve it family-style in a large bowl. For added flavor and presentation, top each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pair it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress your family and guests alike!
How to store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the pasta. You can freeze it in single-serving portions for easy reheating. When ready to enjoy again, thaw and reheat in the microwave or on a stovetop. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce during storage, so adding a bit of cream when reheating can help restore its creaminess.
Tips to make
- Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid for optimal cooking and flavor absorption.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for added depth.
- If you’re tight on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Just add it in towards the end and stir in to heat through.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of pasta or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for a low-fat alternative or omit it altogether.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just be aware that it may take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What types of pasta work best for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, and fusilli are great choices as they hold sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, just adjust cooking times as necessary.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just transfer it to your crockpot and set it to cook as per the recipe.
Enjoy your culinary creation with this simple yet sensational recipe!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
For the pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Optional
- Optional chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Cooking
- 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 in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
Pasta preparation
- 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 the pasta is well coated and creamy.
Serving
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
