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If you are searching for a comfort food masterpiece that brings creamy, garlicky goodness with a hearty pasta hug, look no further than this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection with a luscious Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, all gently mingling with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish feels like a warm embrace on a plate, making it an instant favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners when you want impressive flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in crafting the rich, velvety texture and robust flavor of this dish. From the creamy cheeses to the Italian seasonings and garlic, every component works in harmony to create that irresistible Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe experience.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Your protein base, becoming tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that wakes up all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs lending a classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all other tastes; adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates the signature cheesy richness that makes the pasta irresistible.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy body.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle savory notes to the sauce.
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed: Melts into the sauce for added creaminess and tang.
- 1 lb uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well): The hearty vessel soaking up all that cheese and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional): For extra richness and a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a bright, fresh garnish to contrast the creamy sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs right into the bottom of your crockpot. This direct contact with the heat ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and soak up the flavors that come next.
Step 2: Season with Garlic and Herbs
Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper directly over the chicken. These seasonings will infuse the chicken throughout the slow cooking process, building a strong flavor foundation.
Step 3: Add Creamy Elements and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then scatter the cubed cream cheese across the top. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over everything to add a silky richness to your sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6-7 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and juicy while the cream cheese melts and mingles with the broth to create a creamy base.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix into the sauce later, ensuring each bite is packed with meat.
Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce in the crockpot until it is fully melted and blended. Then, add the shredded chicken back into the pot, so it soaks up even more of that delicious flavor.
Step 7: Cook and Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it directly into the crockpot with your rich, cheesy sauce.
Step 8: Combine and Coat
Give everything a good stir to ensure that every twist and tube of pasta is completely coated in that garlicky Parmesan sauce, creating a harmonious dish that’s ready to serve.
Step 9: Final Garnish and Serve
Top your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. Serve it warm and watch everyone dive right in!
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, lending a burst of vibrant green color and a subtle herbal note. If you want to get creative, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some red pepper flakes for a little heat and contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten things up wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a nice textural contrast and a boost of nutrients to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small baking dishes with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan crusted under the broiler for a golden, bubbly finish. Or, plate your pasta with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes great reheated as the flavors deepen overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, store your pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that pasta texture might soften slightly after freezing, so slightly undercooked pasta before freezing helps preserve quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper shredding. Using frozen chicken could increase cooking time and affect texture.
What pasta works best in the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Penne and rotini are excellent choices because their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. You could also use rigatoni or fusilli for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This dish relies heavily on creamy cheese elements, but you could substitute plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, though texture and flavor will differ somewhat from the original.
Is it possible to cook the pasta directly in the crockpot?
Pasta cooks best when boiled separately to avoid becoming mushy. Adding it about 30 minutes before serving keeps it perfectly al dente and avoids overcooking.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added towards the end of cooking or stirred in with the pasta for extra color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug from the inside out. It’s easy to prepare, effortlessly impressive, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try it, I’m confident this creamy, garlicky delight will become a beloved staple in your home cooking rotation.
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with garlic, cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings combine with perfectly cooked pasta for a rich and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and delightful to eat.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Liquids
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 lb uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they are spread evenly.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken for a well-seasoned base.
- Combine liquids and cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken. Add the cubed cream cheese on top. For additional richness, drizzle the optional olive oil over all the ingredients.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it finely using two forks to make it easy to mix later.
- Add Parmesan and combine: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the crockpot until fully incorporated, then return the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid excess water.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired, and serve the dish warm for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overcooking the pasta by adding it just before serving.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option or chicken breasts for leaner meat.
- To make this dish lighter, consider substituting half-and-half for heavy cream.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the mixture uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- This recipe freezes well: store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
