When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a warm, home-cooked meal that practically cooks itself. The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers just that! Imagine coming home to the intoxicating aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through your kitchen, teasing your senses and stirring your appetite. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. In this article, you will discover how to make a cozy, cheesy pasta dish that your whole family will rave about.
Why We Love This The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
What makes this recipe a standout is its remarkable balance of convenience and taste. Using a crockpot allows you to toss in the ingredients in the morning and come home to a fully cooked meal. You won’t have to worry about slaving over a hot stove or keeping a close eye on the clock. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly spectacular.
Additionally, who can resist the rich, creamy combination of chicken, cheese, and pasta? This recipe combines hearty chicken breasts bathed in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce with fluffy pasta, making it a complete meal in one pot. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also has a comforting and satisfying effect, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients about The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
To create this delightful dish, you will need the following 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
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Directions
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into how to prepare your delectable Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your crockpot. These will serve as the protein base for your dish.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. This combination of spices will give your dish a flavorful kick, enhancing the overall taste.
- Add the Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. The cream cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce, while the Parmesan will bring added depth of flavor.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know your chicken is done when it’s cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside.
- Combine: After shredding the chicken, add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything until the pasta is completely coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve Warm: Dish out your creamy pasta immediately for the best texture. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, drizzle some extra Parmesan cheese or sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Serving this delightful pasta is easy and rewarding. Start by portioning out generous servings into bowls or plates. The creamy sauce is so rich that it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping or some simple steamed vegetables for balance. If you’d like to elevate your meal further, consider serving a light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette on the side. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta dish.
You can also set up a simple topping station where everyone can add their own additional cheese or herbs at the table. This interactive element not only makes the dining experience more fun but allows everyone to tailor their dish to their taste.
Expert Tips: The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-grated options.
- Avoid Overcooking: While you want the chicken to be tender, remember that overcooking can lead to dry meat. Keep an eye on your cooking times, especially if you’re using high settings.
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure not to overcook your pasta. It should be al dente since it will continue to cook slightly once combined with the warm sauce in the crockpot.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir well.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider throwing in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes right at the end. These ingredients can add more texture and nutrients to your dish.
How to Store The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you happen to have any leftovers (though this dish is often enjoyed until the last bite), you can store your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta easily. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to help loosen the sauce, as it can thicken when stored.
Variation of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This wonderful dish is quite versatile! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even shrimp. Each option will bring a new twist to the flavors.
- Pasta Alternatives: Try using different types of pasta, such as gluten-free options or whole wheat varieties. You can also experiment with pasta shapes to keep it fun!
- Add Veggies: Incorporate different vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. Simply add these to the crockpot along with the chicken so they can cook together.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is delicious, you can mix in other cheeses such as mozzarella for added gooeyness or feta for a tangy flavor.
These variations give you the freedom to personalize this delicious dish according to your preferences and dietary needs!
FAQ about The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Can I make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe without cream cheese?
Absolutely! You can omit the cream cheese if you prefer a lighter dish. Just increase the chicken broth or add a bit more heavy cream for creaminess.
How long can I store leftovers of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Leftovers can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Is it possible to prepare The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients and store them in the crockpot liner in the refrigerator the night before. In the morning, simply set your crockpot to cook.
Can I freeze The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use high-quality chicken for better flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is preferred.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened Can be omitted for a lighter version.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite) Cook according to package instructions.
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- to taste chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your crockpot.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- After shredding the chicken, add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything until the pasta is completely coated with the creamy sauce.
Serving
- Dish out your creamy pasta immediately. Optionally, drizzle with extra Parmesan cheese or sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
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