If you are craving a dish that brings together comfort, creamy flavors, and effortless cooking, then you absolutely must try The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish is a harmonious blend of tender, slow-cooked chicken bathed in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, perfectly paired with pasta that soaks up every bit of that creamy goodness. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and the best part is you can set it and forget it in your crockpot while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding the family or inviting friends over, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each element plays a special role, whether it’s building the creamy sauce, tenderizing the chicken, or making the pasta perfectly comforting.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes incredibly tender and juicy in the crockpot.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds rich, savory depth to the sauce while keeping the chicken moist.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings that signature sharp, nutty flavor that defines the dish.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Creates a creamy, velvety base for the sauce.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Perfectly shaped to catch all the luscious sauce on every bite.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds extra richness to make the sauce decadent and smooth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle, savory sweetness that layers the flavor.
- ½ tsp black pepper: A gentle kick of warmth and spice for balance.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential to bring out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: For a fresh, fragrant garlic punch that elevates the sauce.
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season them well with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning step helps build flavor right from the beginning, ensuring every bite of chicken is delicious.
Step 2: Add Broth and Cheeses
Next, pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken breasts. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic on top. These ingredients will slowly melt together, creating that irresistibly creamy and garlicky sauce that defines The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook the mixture on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Mixing the shredded chicken into the sauce allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta separately according to the package instructions. Penne or rotini are ideal shapes for catching that creamy sauce, so choose your favorite. Drain the pasta and keep it ready to add later.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cream
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir in the heavy cream. This final step makes sure every piece of pasta is generously coated in the rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, rounding out The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe perfectly.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add that extra pop of freshness and texture, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top before serving. You can also grate a little more Parmesan over the dish to enhance the cheesy goodness. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil can also make this dish feel even more luxurious.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables, balancing the rich pasta with fresh, crunchy contrast. Garlic bread is another fantastic side to serve alongside, perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your meal feel a bit extra special, serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. For a family-style presentation, ladle the creamy pasta into a large, pretty serving dish and let everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, you can freeze The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep the pasta and sauce together for convenience, though slightly undercooking the pasta before freezing can help avoid mushiness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and offer a slightly richer flavor, which works beautifully in The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and rotini are the top choices because their shapes hold onto the luscious sauce well, but feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even shells—whatever you have on hand!
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
You sure can! Throwing in some chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking can elevate the dish with extra flavor and nutrients.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Making The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe dairy-free would require some substitutions like using dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based Parmesan, and non-dairy cream. The texture and taste will be different, but it can still be delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and creamy with a gentle peppery warmth. If you like a bit of heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick things up.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is such a gem because it takes minimal effort and simple ingredients, yet produces a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. I genuinely hope you try making The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe soon—it’s perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekend dinners. Trust me, once you taste that creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and pasta, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals!
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The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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, Parmesan, and cream cheese create a rich sauce that combines beautifully with perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish serves 6 and is ideal for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Pasta and Cream
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly season the chicken.
- Add liquids and cheeses: Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Add grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic on top of the chicken and broth mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken well into the creamy sauce to combine flavors.
- Prepare the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine pasta and cream: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir in the heavy cream until the pasta is fully coated and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta as they hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with your favorite short pasta.
- Shredding the chicken in the crockpot helps it absorb all the flavors soaking in the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, cook the pasta slightly under al dente before mixing.
- Add fresh parsley or basil on top for garnish and added freshness.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
