Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an easy and comforting meal that the whole family will love. You can prepare it with minimal effort, knowing that it will turn out delicious. This recipe saves time and energy, allowing you to enjoy a cozy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce makes it incredibly flavorful.
How to Make The Best 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 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 right out of the crockpot. You can garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or some chopped parsley for freshness. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken and pasta mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Feel free to add more garlic or some Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and half-and-half.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after being mixed with the sauce.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli in the last hour of cooking. This will make it more nutritious and colorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
What type of pasta can I use?
You can use any pasta you like, but penne or rotini works best as they hold the sauce well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just plug it in and cook as directed.