Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort on a plate. With its creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making this dish not only delicious but also incredibly convenient.
When you think of comfort food, pasta often springs to mind. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce envelops your pasta, making every bite rich and flavorful. This is a recipe you can easily customize to fit your taste preferences, and it’s ideal for both a family dinner and casual gatherings. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should make this dish and how to prepare it step by step.
Why Make This Recipe
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it is super simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that feels special. This is perfect for busy people who need a good meal but don’t have the time to cook.
Second, the flavors in this dish are simply wonderful. Garlic and Parmesan cheese are a perfect pair. They create a creamy and savory sauce that fills your home with an inviting aroma. Your family will not only be hungry for the food but will also look forward to the comforting flavors.
Third, this recipe is very versatile. You can easily alter or add ingredients according to your preferences. Don’t like chicken? You can swap it out for turkey or even a vegetarian option. Want some veggies? Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can easily be added. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly, it’s perfect for leftovers. You can make a larger batch, enjoy it for dinner, and have plenty to save for lunch the next day. The flavors actually improve as they sit. With all these benefits, it is clear why this dish is a must-try.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making this delicious dish is easy. Just follow the simple steps below.
Ingredients
To make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make this dish.
Place the Chicken in the Crockpot: Start by putting the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are laying flat.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the chicken breasts. This will keep them moist while cooking and add flavor.
Add Garlic and Season: Add the minced garlic to the crockpot. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it gently so that everything is well combined.
Set the Temperature: Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken. You have two options here:
- Low Heat: Cook for 6-8 hours.
- High Heat: Cook for about 3-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Put it back into the crockpot.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Stir it all together until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your 8 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Mix everything so that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve: When you are ready to eat, serve the pasta warm. Garnish each plate with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serving this dish is easy and fun. Because it’s rich and creamy, you might want to pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. This will provide a fresh contrast to the heaviness of the pasta. You can also offer garlic bread as a side to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.
When serving, divide the pasta into bowls or plates, making sure everyone gets a good amount of chicken. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a lovely appearance. For those who enjoy a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch.
How to Store Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers, storing this dish is very simple. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave. Just place the desired amount on a plate and heat it until warm. If it seems a bit dry, adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating can help restore its creaminess.
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Tips to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly:
Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken and real Parmesan cheese. This will improve the flavor significantly.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or garlic according to your taste preferences.
Timing: If you are short on time, using high heat is fine, but remember that slow cooking on low heat usually allows flavors to blend better.
Pasta Cooking: Do not overcook the pasta, as it will cook further when mixed with the hot sauce in the crockpot.
Add Veggies: For a balanced meal, consider adding vegetables in the last hour of cooking. Spinach, bell peppers, or peas work wonderfully.
Variation
There are many ways to adapt this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
Chicken Substitutes: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. If you want a vegetarian version, try adding chickpeas or tofu.
Different Cheeses: Swap out the Parmesan for other cheeses like Mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for added flavor.
Add More Dairy: For an extra creamy pasta, try adding a bit of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be aware that the cooking time may increase slightly. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture in the last hour of cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it and store it in the fridge before cooking it in the crockpot. Just keep all the ingredients in the fridge until you are ready to cook, which will help keep everything fresh.
Enjoy your cooking experience and dig into your super creamy, comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, laying them flat.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts.
- Add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper, mixing gently.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the crockpot.
- Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and mix until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.