Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Imagine coming home after a long day to the smell of creamy garlic parmesan chicken, slowly cooking to perfection in your crockpot.

The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making your mouth water before you even take the first bite. That’s the magic of this easy, hands-off recipe!

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, yet so simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.

Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself.

This dish is also great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Whether it’s a chilly evening when you need something warm and comforting or a busy day when you need an easy meal, this recipe is a lifesaver.

Why You’ll Love It

• Easy & Hands-Free: Just toss everything into the crockpot, and let it cook while you go about your day. No standing over the stove!
• Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish! The cheesy, garlicky flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Customizable: You can add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or spice it up with a little red pepper for extra heat.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite kind)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

This recipe is so easy and delicious, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools in your kitchen:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): This is the star of the show. You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker to make sure there’s enough space for all the ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping garlic, chicken, and any veggies you may want to add.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Tongs or a Fork: To shred the cooked chicken at the end.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and pasta.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic on top.
2. Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken. Add the cubed cream cheese into the crockpot, placing it on top of the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The chicken should shred easily when you test it with a fork.
4. Cook the Pasta: About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce.
6. Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and mix everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you want even juicier chicken, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.
• Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is what gives this dish its velvety, creamy texture. Make sure to cube it so it melts evenly into the sauce.
• Add Veggies for More Flavor: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after combining with the pasta, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
• Make it Spicy: For those who love heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top when serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own! Here are some ingredient substitutions and variations to try:

• Chicken Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
• Dairy-Free Version: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese and parmesan. You can also try a plant-based pasta.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Many brands offer great gluten-free options that will work just as well.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken altogether and use mushrooms or a combination of your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. Add some veggie broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based twist.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in some fresh spinach, broccoli, or peas toward the end of cooking for added nutrition and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and creamy pasta can be served on its own or with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich pasta. Consider a simple Caesar salad, garden salad, or arugula salad.
• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread! Serve a crispy slice of garlic bread on the side to soak up the extra creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: For a healthier side, serve some steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. Their natural crunch will balance the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: If you’re looking for a drink to go with your meal, a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the creamy, garlicky flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in the crockpot, let it cook, and then store the finished dish in the fridge for later. It also makes a great meal prep option.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may take longer to cook. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

3. Is it okay to use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, bowtie, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the pasta when boiling it.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to fit the increased ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so check the chicken for doneness.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a little bit of cornstarch mixed with water, or let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken. You can also add more cream cheese for a thicker texture.

Now that you’ve got all the details, it’s time to make this creamy, comforting dish! Enjoy every bite of your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!