Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious pasta, all cooked to perfection in one pot. This recipe not only simplifies dinner preparation but also creates a warming, comforting meal that is sure to please the whole family. Plus, with its rich flavors and ease of cooking, it’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a tasty dinner without a lot of fuss.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
- Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this comforting pasta warm, directly from the crockpot. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor or garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal and make it even more satisfying.
How to Store Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.
Tips to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to cut the cream cheese into small cubes to help it melt evenly.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture before cooking.
- You can substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- If you enjoy a thicker sauce, use less chicken broth or add more cream at the end.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to cook them on high for about 4 hours instead of low.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Penne and rotini are great choices, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the crockpot.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day. Just remember to add some extra time to the cooking for the cold ingredients.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
- Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Make sure to cut the cream cheese into small cubes for even melting. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety.