Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s as easy as it is indulgent. With tender chicken, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving comfort food, this meal delivers in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Free Cooking: The crockpot does the heavy lifting, saving you time and effort.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: A luscious garlic parmesan sauce coats every bite.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables or pasta types.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cream cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add minced garlic, cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cooked pasta. Mix well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or plant-based protein.
- Add Veggies: Include spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well and add extra flavor to the dish.
2. What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well, but you can also use long noodles like fettuccine.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based cream substitute.
4. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the crockpot and stir until thickened.
5. Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms would be a delicious addition.
6. Can I cook the pasta directly in the crockpot?
Yes, add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking, along with extra broth to ensure it cooks properly.
7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to the step before adding pasta, then reheat and mix in the pasta just before serving.
8. What’s a good side dish for this recipe?
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
9. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add shredded pre-cooked chicken in the last hour of cooking to save time.
10. How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Use light cream cheese and skip the heavy cream, replacing it with milk or a lighter cream alternative.
Conclusion
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, blending creamy, garlicky goodness with tender chicken and pasta. Whether you’re a busy parent or a pasta lover, this dish offers convenience and flavor in every bite. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy an effortless yet indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
PrintCrockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5-6 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the chicken and sauce:
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block of cream cheese, softened
For the pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 1/2 cup (120 g) shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and sauce:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot.
- Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken.
- Add the softened cream cheese in chunks to the crockpot.
- Cook the chicken:
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- 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 sauce and stir to combine.
- Cook the pasta:
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and toss until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Cheese substitutes:Â Feel free to use Pecorino Romano or a Parmesan blend for the sauce.
- Add-ins: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Storage:Â Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.