If you are looking for a simple yet delicious meal, look no further than the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This recipe is perfect for families, busy weeknights, or even gatherings with friends. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta all cooked in one pot. You can set it and forget it, allowing the crockpot to do the hard work for you. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a warming dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it requires minimal preparation and uses just one pot for cooking, which means less cleanup for you. Second, the flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese come together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Third, it is customizable to suit your tastes. You can add vegetables, adjust the spices, or try different shapes of pasta. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
HOW TO MAKE The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Making this recipe is extremely simple. Following the steps will ensure you get the best results. You don’t need advanced cooking skills; just follow the instructions, and you will have a delicious meal ready to serve.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To prepare the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you will need:
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Forks for shredding the chicken
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Strainer for draining pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- 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 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 pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
HOW TO SERVE The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
To serve this dish, simply scoop it onto plates. Make sure to get a good amount of sauce and chicken with each serving. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley on top for added flavor and decoration. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING : The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
You can store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to freeze the leftovers, you can do so, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly when thawed. It’s best to freeze only the chicken and sauce together and add fresh pasta when you are ready to serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This dish can be served in several ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pair with a crispy garden salad.
- Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
- Add steamed broccoli or green beans for extra veggies.
- Offer a side of your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
VARIATIONS
You can mix things up with this recipe by trying out some variations:
- Add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes to the crockpot.
- Use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, along with Parmesan.
- Swap out the chicken for turkey or sausage.
- Change the type of pasta used, such as spaghetti or fusilli.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so, especially if cooking on low.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Yes, you can leave out the cream cheese if you prefer. The dish will still be creamy thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
3. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this recipe in a pot on the stovetop. Follow the same steps but keep an eye on the chicken and cook it until it is tender.
4. How can I make it spicier?
To add some heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños when you cook the chicken.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you want to make this dish in advance, you can prep the ingredients the night before. Place the chicken and seasonings in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, pull it out, add the broth, cheese, and garlic, and set it to cook. This way, you will have a delicious dinner waiting for you with minimal effort. You can also cook the pasta ahead of time and keep it separate until you’re ready to mix it all together.
With these straightforward instructions and tips, you will soon enjoy a wonderful meal of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe is easy to follow and will be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- 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 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 pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.