Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Picture this: a cozy, lazy evening at home, the smell of garlic and parmesan wafting through the air as a deliciously creamy pasta dish simmers away in the crockpot. Sounds like heaven, right? That’s exactly what this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers—comfort in a bowl with zero stress. With tender chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a bowl and a smile.

Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer for busy nights. You get all the flavor without all the effort. The slow-cooker does all the hard work, and in a few hours, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal waiting for you. So, if you’re ready for a cozy, no-fuss dinner, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Effortless & Hands-Off:

Pop everything in the crockpot, let it do its thing, and come back to a perfectly cooked, creamy pasta dish. There’s almost no active cooking time, which means more time to relax!

Flavor-Packed:

The garlic and parmesan meld together in the sauce, creating a rich and savory base that coats the chicken and pasta beautifully. Every bite is like a warm hug from the inside.

Family-Friendly:

Kids and adults alike will go crazy for this dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting, making it a universal favorite around the dinner table.

Meal Prep Heaven:

This recipe is a lifesaver for meal prepping! You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, or even freeze portions for later.

Customizable:

Add your own twist by tossing in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also swap in a different type of pasta if you prefer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, comforting pasta dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the perfect protein base for this dish. They cook up tender and juicy in the crockpot, soaking up all the savory flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor. It’s one of the key ingredients that makes this dish so delicious.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that rich, nutty flavor that makes this sauce so creamy and indulgent. Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor.
• Cream Cheese: This adds the creamy, velvety texture to the sauce and makes it incredibly smooth.
• Heavy Cream: For that luscious, rich sauce that coats the pasta and chicken so perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: To add depth of flavor and help everything cook down to perfection in the crockpot.
• Butter: A little butter adds richness to the sauce and helps everything come together.
• Pasta: Any pasta of your choice will work, but something like penne, rotini, or fettuccine is perfect to hold onto all that creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds an aromatic layer to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to make the easiest, most flavorful dinner ever? Let’s get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. There’s no need to brown them beforehand; the slow-cooking process will ensure they cook up tender and juicy.

Step 2: Add the Garlic & Creamy Ingredients

To the crockpot, add the minced garlic, cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, and chicken broth. Stir everything together gently so that the chicken is coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will infuse the sauce and chicken as it cooks, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Cook It Low & Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The chicken should shred easily with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the crockpot and mix everything together so the pasta soaks up all that creamy goodness.

Step 7: Add Parmesan

Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it even creamier and more indulgent. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or parmesan to your liking.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta warm, topped with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy every bite of this cozy, comforting dish!

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread is the perfect pairing to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Steamed Veggies: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or spinach to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Wine Pairing: A nice white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this creamy pasta.

Additional Tips

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added flavor and texture.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or opt for light cream cheese to reduce the calories.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Add extra garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat and flavor.
• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 cup

• Calories per serving: 450
• Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 710mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Calcium: 20%
• Iron: 8%

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact measurements and ingredient substitutions.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare everything in the crockpot and store it in the fridge once cooked. Reheat it on low for a few hours or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Q2: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A2: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that it may take a bit longer to cook, so check that it’s fully cooked through before shredding.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work. Just cook it according to the package directions and add it to the crockpot once it’s ready.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure the chicken broth is gluten-free.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Yes! Add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or any veggies you like. Just toss them in about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up.

Q7: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A7: The chicken is done when it’s easy to shred with a fork. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q8: Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A8: Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and flavor to the dish. Just cook them the same way as the chicken breasts.

Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Q10: Can I use store-bought garlic parmesan sauce?
A10: Sure! You can substitute the homemade sauce with store-bought garlic parmesan sauce if you’re short on time, though the flavor might be a little different.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a true comfort food classic. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep masterpiece, this recipe has you covered. Let the crockpot work its magic, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

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