If you’re looking for a hearty and easy meal that will please everyone at your table, the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is just what you need. This dish is not only simple to make, but it also fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma of garlic and cheese as it cooks. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends with little effort.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love this recipe. First, it uses a crockpot, which means you can prepare your meal early in the day and let it cook while you attend to other tasks. This hands-off cooking method is ideal for busy lifestyles. Second, the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese combine beautifully, making every bite irresistible. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the chicken and pasta, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul. Finally, this recipe is flexible. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile option for any meal.
HOW TO MAKE The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Making the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is simple. You’ll just need to follow a few easy steps, and soon enough you’ll have a delicious meal ready to be served. Let’s dive into the process!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before we start cooking, let’s gather the equipment you’ll need:
- A crockpot
- A mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A serving bowl
- A fork (for shredding the chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is the list of ingredients needed for the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe:
- 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
Now it’s time to make your delicious dish! Follow these steps closely:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic over the top.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the chicken into the sauce until it is well combined.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta once it is cooked.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm and, if desired, top with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for garnish.
HOW TO SERVE The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
To serve the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, portion it into bowls while it is still warm. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top to add color and a burst of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
STORAGE & FREEZING The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the pasta in a bowl until it is warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can serve the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in a variety of ways:
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with your favorite dressing enhances the meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serving garlic bread on the side makes for a perfect complement to the creamy pasta.
- With Vegetables: Consider adding some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to your plate for added nutrition.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to mix things up by adjusting ingredients according to your personal preference. Here are some ideas:
- Add Vegetables: You can throw in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Swap the Pasta: If you’re not a fan of penne or rotini, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your dish.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to cook them longer—around 6-8 hours on low.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese? Yes, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.
- What type of pasta works best? Penne, rotini, and bow-tie pasta all work well. You can use your favorite type as long as the cooking time is appropriate.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
To save time, you can prepare some parts of the recipe in advance:
- Pre-measure your ingredients: Before starting, measure out your spices, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth.
- Prepare the chicken: You can season the chicken breasts the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Cook the pasta in advance: To save time, you can cook the pasta and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to mix everything together.
By following these simple tips and steps, you’ll have an easy and delectable meal that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite of your Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic over the top.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks and stir the chicken into the sauce until well combined.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare your pasta according to package directions and drain once cooked.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.