Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a hearty, creamy, and utterly irresistible meal, the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This dish marries tender, slow-cooked chicken with a luscious sauce made from rich Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and vibrant garlic flavor. The pasta soaks up every bit of the creamy goodness, making each bite a warm, comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors, as well as the perfect texture you expect from a slow-cooked pasta dish.

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth and a mellow garlic note that complements the fresh garlic.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Brings subtle savory sweetness to the dish without overpowering it.
• ½ tsp black pepper: A gentle kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the rich ingredients.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist and infuses the sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened: Gives the sauce a silky, velvety texture.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic: Brings a fresh and vibrant garlic burst that wakes up the dish.
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite): The perfect vehicle for soaking up every bit of sauce.
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Adds richness and smoothness to finish the sauce.
• Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish: Brightens and adds color and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning ensures the chicken is flavorful and sets the foundation for the sauce.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Cheese

Pour in the chicken broth, then add grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic over the chicken. These ingredients will meld together during cooking to create the rich and creamy sauce that is central to this recipe.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, making shredding effortless and letting the flavors develop along the way.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it well into the sauce. This step ensures every bit of chicken is coated with that amazing sauce, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain it well to prevent watering down the sauce. Cooking pasta separately keeps the texture just right.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir thoroughly until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce for a perfect finish.

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Topping your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe with freshly chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a fresh, vibrant touch and enhances the dish’s visual appeal. It’s the little flourish that makes the meal look as fantastic as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty toasted garlic bread. These sides add texture contrasts and help balance the richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Alternatively, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a glass of crisp white wine to elevate the dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so a little splash of broth or cream while reheating will help refresh its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the sauce’s texture might change slightly after freezing, but stirring it well during reheating will bring it back to its creamy perfection.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Slow and steady reheating preserves the creamy texture and keeps the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini work well due to their shape holding onto the sauce nicely, feel free to use any pasta you love—just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure perfect texture.

Is it possible to make this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream or another non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be different, but still delicious!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can, but expect the cooking time to increase by about an hour on low or 30-45 minutes on high. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding and adding pasta.

Should I add the pasta directly to the crockpot during cooking?

It’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it at the end. Cooking pasta in the crockpot for the entire time can make it mushy and affect the dish’s texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when adding the garlic and cheese for a delicious, spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a shining example of comfort food made simple yet extraordinary. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want something hands-off but packed with flavor and warmth. Trust me, once you try this creamy, garlicky, cheesy dish, it will be on your regular rotation for family dinners. So, grab your crockpot and ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with this delightful pasta.

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