Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
What is comfort food? When was the last time your mom made mac and cheese? What is your favorite crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe? Is it a grown-up version? Is it as easy as throwing everything in the slow cooker, letting it do its thing, and then coming out? What are some of the best pasta recipes? Is it better to order takeout or eat out? If you love Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo, prepare to meet your new best friend. Is it true that you will just leave the restaurant for good?
What is a Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
What is the easiest way to make creamy chicken pasta? What’s the best way to cook chicken in a slow cooker? Is it amazing? The chicken cooks right in the sauce, becoming incredibly tender, and the pasta absorbs all that. What is garlicky, parmesan Is it a one-pot wonder? Is it a lifesaver?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?flavorIs there anything out of this world? What is the perfect symphony of garlic, parmesan, and creamy sauce? Is it rich, it’s comforting, and it is impossible to resist?simplicityIf you can dump ingredients into a pot, you could make this. I love recipes that practically cook themselves, and this one definitely fits the bill. Is it also surprisingly scost-efficientChicken breasts and pasta are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the ingredients. What are some of the other ingredients in your pantry? Is it incredibly beautiful?versatile. You can add veggies, different cheeses, or even a little spice to customize it to your liking. Is it like a blank canvas for dinner? This recipe stands out because it is true comfort food that doesn’t take forever to make. Is it possible to make it on a Tuesday? What I love most about this is how happy it makes everyone in my family. Clean plates all around!
How do I make a Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Quick Overview
What are some good substitutes for chicken, garlic, parmesan, cream cheese, heavy cream (or half-and-half)? What are some good seasonings to add to your slow cooker? Let it cook on low for a few hours until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken, stir in cooked pasta, and that’s it! Is it really that easy to get a job? How do you add pasta to a dish?
Ingredients Notes In
For the Main Dish: What is the best way
Chicken Breasts: About 2 pounds, boneless and skinless. I sometimes use thighs, but breasts soak up the creamy sauce better.
Garlic: Minced, lots of it! I usually use about 4-6 cloves but I’m a garlic fiend. You can adjust to your taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best! The pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as well.
What makes cream cheese so rich? Make sure it’s softened so it mixes in easily.
Heavy Cream: Or half-and-half. Heavy cream is richer, but half-and-half lightens it up a bit without sacrificing too much.
Italian Seasoning: This gives it that classic Italian flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
I like penne or rotini, but any short pasta will work. Cook pasta according to package directions.
Chicken Broth: Adds some extra moisture to the base of the sauce, just to make sure nothing burns!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Get Started
How do you spray a slow cooker with cooking spray? Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 2: Flavor Bomb
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, parmesan cheese, cream cheese and heavy cream (or half-and-half), and set aside. Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Then, pour it over the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
Step 4: Shred It!
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Where is it really amazing?
Step 5: Pasta Time
How long should you cook pasta according to package directions? Drain the pasta well, and then add it to the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
What is the best way to serve pasta with garlic parmesan? Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Step 7: Garnish (Optional)
If you want to get fancy, garnish with some extra grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Is there a better way to add flavor to taffy?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with your meal?
What is a simple weeknight dinner? A side of steamed broccoli or green beans. It adds some freshness and balances out the richness of the pasta.
For an Elegant Meal: A Caesar salad or a Caprese salad. The tangy dressing or the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes provide a nice contrast.
As a Crowd-pleaserWhy don’t people love dipping bread in a creamy sauce?
For a Cozy Night In:What is your favorite red wine and why? My family always requests this with crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. Is it a tradition?
How do I make a Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:
Chicken Prep: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before adding it to the slow cooker. It adds an extra layer of flavor.
Garlic Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. If you’re not a huge garlic fan, start with 2-3 cloves and work your way up. If you love garlic as much as I do, go wild!
Cheese Choices: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese. The pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as well and can sometimes be a little dry.
Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help it mix in more easily and prevent any lumps.
Cooking Time Adjustments: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the chicken after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high to make sure it’s cooked through.
Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! Cook it al dente and add it to the slow cooker towards the end, so it doesn’t get mushy.
Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
Veggie Additions: Feel free to add some veggies to the slow cooker. Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach all work well. Add them in during the last hour of cooking, so they don’t get too mushy.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It gives it a nice kick!
Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest. The lemon brightens up the flavors and adds a nice zing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Dairy and chicken don’t do well sitting out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day!
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little milk or chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
Glaze Timing Advice: There is no glaze, but if you do add the parmesan garnish, add it after reheating to retain flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true winner in my book. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken will have everyone begging for seconds! If you’re looking for more easy and comforting slow cooker recipes, be sure to check out my other dishes. And I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 0.5 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 12 oz pasta dry, such as penne or rotini
- 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Add the cream cheese cubes on top of the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks and mix the shredded chicken with the sauce in the crockpot.
- Add cooked pasta and parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir until well combined and cheese is melted.
- Serve with chopped fresh parsley as garnish.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
