Looking for a super easy, incredibly delicious, and family-friendly dinner? This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer! This set-and-forget recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Simply toss everything into your crockpot, let it work its magic, and come home to a comforting and flavorful meal. You’ll have tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all in one pot!
What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made easy. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that combines chicken breasts, pasta, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce in a slow cooker. The long cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe is a huge time-saver, as you don’t need to stand over a stove. Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its work! It’s also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your family’s preferences with different types of pasta, vegetables, or cheeses.
Ready to enjoy a hassle-free, delicious dinner? Give this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe a try!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1.5 – 2 lbs): These are the protein of the dish. You can use fresh or frozen (just be sure frozen chicken is thawed before cooking for best results and food safety).
Pasta (1 lb): Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), or any short pasta shape works well. The pasta will cook in the sauce, so choose a shape that holds sauce well.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): This provides the liquid base for the sauce and helps cook the pasta and chicken.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor to the sauce. Use freshly grated for the best flavor and melting quality.
Garlic (4 cloves): Minced garlic provides a strong aromatic flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp): A blend of herbs that adds depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously, as the pasta will absorb some of the salt.
Optional: Cream Cheese (4 oz): Softened cream cheese will makes the sauce even creamier.
Optional: Spinach (5 oz): Adding chopped spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking adds a boost of nutrients and color.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal prep time, and the slow cooker does all the work! The result is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in about 4 hours or less.
Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and Italian seasoning over the chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in Broth and Cream: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken. If using cream cheese, add the softened cream cheese now.
Add Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta evenly over the chicken. Gently press the pasta down into the liquid, ensuring it’s mostly submerged.
Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot, so check the pasta for doneness after the minimum time.
Shred Chicken: Once the pasta is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks.
Stir in Parmesan and Spinach (Optional): Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined. If using spinach, add the chopped spinach at this time and stir until wilted (about 5 minutes).
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
This recipe is a winner because it offers the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. The main highlight is undoubtedly the “set and forget” nature of the recipe. You can prep it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal, saving you precious time and energy on busy days.
Making this dish at home is also a huge cost-saver compared to ordering takeout or dining out. You can control the quality of ingredients and customize the recipe to your liking, all while saving money. Plus, this recipe can be easily stretched to feed a crowd.
The flavorful toppings and ingredients, like the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh spinach, elevate this dish to the next level. They add depth of flavor and visual appeal, making it a truly special meal.
If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Pasta, another easy and comforting recipe. Ready to simplify your dinner routine and enjoy a delicious meal? Try making this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta at home and see why it’s a family favorite!
What to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta With:
This creamy pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are healthy and flavorful additions.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta for doneness after the minimum cooking time. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- Thaw Chicken Completely if Frozen: For best results and food safety, ensure the chicken is completely thawed before adding it to the crockpot.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- Don’t Open the Crockpot Too Often: Opening the lid releases heat and can increase the cooking time.
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavour. Milk can be used instead of Cream, although sauce won’t be as rich. Add any other cheese you like to add flavor.
5 Facts about Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken broth or cream.
- The slow cooking process infuses the pasta with all the flavors of the sauce.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Allow the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to cool completely before storing it.
- Transfer the pasta to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Place a portion of the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Transfer the pasta to a saucepan. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent sticking. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing:
- Allow the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to cool completely before freezing it.
- Transfer the pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta truly is a set-and-forget dinner that will quickly become a family favorite. With its ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and delicious flavor, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights and hassle-free entertaining. So, gather your ingredients, toss them in the crockpot, and let the magic happen. Enjoy!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the crockpot for best results and food safety.
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), or any other short pasta shape works well in this recipe.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes, you can add your favorite vegetables. Spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute milk or half-and-half for the heavy cream. However, the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Q: My sauce is too thick. What should I do?
A: Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin the sauce out.
Q: My sauce is too thin. What should I do?
A: Cook the pasta uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.