You will love this recipe because it is easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese gives the dish a rich taste. Chicken cooked in a crockpot becomes very tender. This means less work for you and a delicious meal for your family. You can set it and forget it, letting the crockpot do all the cooking. The pasta is creamy, satisfying, and perfect for dinner on busy nights. Plus, it is a one-pot meal, which makes cleanup simple. Everyone will enjoy this tasty treat!
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making this dish is simple and straightforward. Here is how you do it step by step.
Equipment Needed
- Crockpot
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Cutting board
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
Step-by-Step 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 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, stir everything together until pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is best served warm. You can serve it in large bowls. Make sure to offer extra Parmesan cheese on the side so everyone can add more if they want. Chopped parsley adds a nice touch and some color to the dish. It’s great for a family meal or for gathering with friends. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.
Storage & Freezing: The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat it again, you can microwave it or heat it on the stove until it is warm. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This dish goes well with several side items. Here are some suggestions:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A glass of white wine or sparkling water
Variations
This recipe is very flexible. You can easily change a few ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:
- Use different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just cook them for a longer time to ensure they are fully cooked through.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese? Yes, you can skip the cream cheese. It will still taste good, but it may not be as creamy. You can increase the heavy cream to make up for it.
3. What kind of pasta works best? Penne and rotini work great for this dish because they hold the sauce well. But feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything the night before and cook it in the morning. This is perfect for busy days.
Make-Ahead Tips for The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To make this dish ahead of time, you can do the following:
- Prepare and measure all the ingredients the night before. Store them in separate containers in the fridge.
- Place the chicken and seasonings in the crockpot the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just add the remaining ingredients and start cooking.
- You can cook the pasta ahead of time too. Just cook it al dente and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Add it to the crockpot when you are ready to serve.
With these tips and tricks, your meal will be ready to enjoy with very little effort. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious taste of this dish!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- 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 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, stir everything together until pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.