The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a dish that truly warms the heart. With tender chicken simmering in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite at family gatherings and casual get-togethers.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the delightful aroma of garlic and cheese wafting through your kitchen. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe fits the bill every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it! Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The rich combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a sauce that coats every noodle beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love pasta, and they’ll gobble up this creamy dish without even realizing they’re eating their veggies (if you sneak some in!).
• Make Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch at the beginning of the week for easy lunches or quick dinners.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables or swapping out proteins based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. These are things you might already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store!

• 1.5-2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups Chicken Broth, low-sodium
• 6-8 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated (plus more for serving)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (to taste)
• 16 oz (1 lb) Your Favorite Pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Fettuccine)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey breast or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a different texture and flavor.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for an extra dose of nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to give it a kick!
• Change the pasta shape: Use whatever pasta shape you love—shells, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta works beautifully!

How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in your slow cooker. This step helps achieve that deliciously tender texture we all crave!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Mince fresh garlic and sprinkle it over the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Evenly distribute this flavorful blend over the chicken so every bite is seasoned perfectly.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the seasoned chicken and place the block of cream cheese on top. The broth adds moisture while cooking; meanwhile, the cream cheese melts into an irresistible sauce that brings everything together.

Step 4: Cook Slow and Steady

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours or HIGH for about 1.5–2.5 hours. You want that chicken to be incredibly tender so it shreds easily—that’s when all those flavors meld beautifully!

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so that melted cream cheese combines well with the cooking liquid—this is where magic happens!

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted into a creamy sauce. If you’re craving an extra thick sauce, whisk cornstarch with cold water then pour it into your mixture while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 7: Cook Your Pasta

Before serving, cook your favorite pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember not to rinse; we want to keep all those lovely starches which help sauces cling better!

Step 8: Combine Everything Together

Transfer hot drained pasta into your crockpot filled with creamy garlic Parmesan chicken sauce. Use tongs to gently fold everything together until each piece of pasta is coated in that delightful sauce.

Step 9: Serve Up Deliciousness

Lastly, stir in freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Get ready to enjoy every savory bite!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creating a comforting meal is easy when you follow these simple tips!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Having everything ready to go not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures that you can enjoy the meal together with minimal fuss after a long day.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to taste and tweak the seasonings as you go. This way, you’ll create a dish that’s perfectly tailored to your family’s preferences.

• Use fresh ingredients when possible: Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor tremendously compared to their dried or pre-packaged counterparts, giving your dish that restaurant-quality taste right at home.

• Cook pasta al dente: Cooking your pasta just until it’s al dente ensures it maintains a slight firmness, which helps it hold up better when mixed with the creamy sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.

• Save leftovers for lunch: This dish makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free lunch the next day.

How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Presenting this delightful dish can be just as enjoyable as cooking it. Here are some ideas on how to serve it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Extra Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offering more cheese at the table allows everyone to add as much cheesy goodness as they desire.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, offering crushed red pepper flakes can allow guests to customize their bowls.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, garlic bread is an easy and satisfying addition that pairs well with any pasta dish.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a light dressing create a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Broccoli: Adding some bright green steamed broccoli not only provides color but also boosts nutrition and offers a delightful crunch alongside the creamy dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables can add a wonderful depth of flavor and texture while rounding out your meal beautifully.

Now that you’re armed with tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to whip up The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe! Enjoy this delightful culinary journey with family or friends—it’s bound to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade pasta throughout the week with minimal effort.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and freshness.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You may need to add a little extra cream or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Can I use another type of cheese instead of Parmesan in this recipe?

Yes! While Parmesan adds a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.

How do I make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can also replace Parmesan for added flavor!

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen chicken breasts can be cooked directly in the crockpot. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What pasta works best with The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are all excellent choices! They hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully and provide great texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe! This dish is not only simple but also brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations with me—happy cooking!