Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of creamy, garlicky goodness wafting through your house. That’s the magic of this incredibly easy and satisfying dish! Forget slaving over a hot stove; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce.

While pasta itself has a long and storied history, tracing back to ancient civilizations, the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and chicken is a more modern, Italian-American creation. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, transformed into something truly special. This particular Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta rendition takes that classic flavor profile and makes it unbelievably convenient.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The creamy, cheesy sauce is undeniably comforting, and the garlic adds a delightful kick. The chicken becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker, practically melting in your mouth. But perhaps the biggest draw is the sheer ease of preparation. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy whenever you are. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families and anyone who appreciates a flavorful, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Pasta: 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• Garlic: 6 cloves garlic, minced
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
• Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Initial Cooking

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready for the slow cooker. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown a little better, even in the crockpot.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot so we can get a little color on the chicken.
3. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; we just want to develop some flavor.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in the bottom of your crockpot.
5. Now, sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure each piece gets a good coating of those delicious spices.
6. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. The broth should mostly cover the chicken; if not, you can add a little more.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable when it’s done.

Shredding the Chicken and Cooking the Pasta

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot using tongs and place it on a cutting board.
2. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Be careful, as it will be hot!
3. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing it with the broth.
4. Now, it’s time to add the pasta. Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the crockpot with the chicken and broth. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more chicken broth or water to ensure the pasta is covered.
5. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. The cooking time will depend on the type of pasta you use, so keep an eye on it.

Creating the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Mix everything together well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly.
3. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to suit your preferences.

Serving and Garnishing

1. Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition!
3. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Cream Cheese: For an even creamier sauce, add 4 ounces of cream cheese (cut into cubes) along with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms would all be great additions. Add them about 30 minutes before the pasta is done to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Different Pasta: While penne and rotini are popular choices, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo will cook faster than larger shapes like lasagna noodles.
• Make it Lighter: To reduce the fat content, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious. You can also use part-skim mozzarella cheese in place of some of the Parmesan.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.
• Browning the Chicken: While searing the chicken in a skillet adds flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just place the raw chicken breasts directly into the crockpot and proceed with the recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
• Garlic Lovers: If you’re a garlic fanatic, feel free to add even more minced garlic to the recipe. You can also add a teaspoon of garlic powder for an extra boost of flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce. Asiago, Romano, or even a little bit of mozzarella would all be delicious additions.
• Fresh Herbs: In addition to parsley, you can garnish the pasta with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.

Troubleshooting:

• Pasta is mushy: If your pasta is overcooked and mushy, it’s likely that you cooked it for too long. Be sure to check the pasta frequently while it’s cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the crockpot and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. You can also add more Parmesan cheese.
• Chicken is dry: If the chicken is dry, it’s likely that you overcooked it. Be sure to check the chicken frequently while it’s cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed. Adding a little extra chicken broth can also help to keep the chicken moist.
• Pasta is sticking together: To prevent the pasta from sticking together, stir it occasionally while it’s cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the crockpot along with the pasta.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
• Pair with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
• Serve with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your recipe repertoire. The ease of preparation combined with the creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve made this for potlucks, family gatherings, and even just a cozy night in, and it’s always a hit. The best part? You can literally set it and forget it, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax while dinner practically cooks itself.

But the real magic lies in the taste. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with the savory garlic and Parmesan flavors, while the pasta soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting more.

And because I love giving you options, here are a few serving suggestions and variations to make this recipe your own. For a heartier meal, consider adding some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The vegetables will absorb some of the sauce and add a healthy boost to the dish. If you’re a fan of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a delightful kick. You could also try using different types of pasta, like penne or rotini, depending on your preference. For a richer flavor, substitute half of the Parmesan cheese with Asiago or Romano.

Looking to elevate the presentation? Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts either! You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple green salad.

I truly believe this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, passed down through generations.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to experience a culinary delight. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Any tips or tricks you discovered along the way? Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers create their own perfect version of this dish. I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures. Don’t be shy – let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!

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