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, cheesy, 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, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.

While the exact origins of combining chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce are somewhat modern, the love affair with these flavors is timeless. Garlic and parmesan have been culinary staples in Italian cuisine for centuries, lending their savory and umami notes to countless dishes. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe takes those classic flavors and adapts them for the convenience of modern life.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s unbelievably delicious! The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta and tender piece of chicken, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s also incredibly convenient – simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this effortless and flavorful recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
• Optional: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas, added in the last 30 minutes of cooking

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started! This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is seriously one of the easiest and most satisfying meals you can make. The best part? Minimal effort, maximum flavor. First, we’re going to prep the chicken and get the sauce base going in the slow cooker.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken breasts. If using frozen, you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time, just to be sure they’re cooked through. I usually prefer fresh for this recipe, as it tends to result in a more tender chicken.
2. Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic: In a small bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter. This step is crucial because it infuses the butter with that delicious garlic flavor. Let the garlic sit in the melted butter for a few minutes to really bloom.
3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Pour the melted garlic butter over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Then, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes, add them now as well.
4. Stir to Combine: Gently stir the sauce ingredients together in the slow cooker to ensure everything is evenly distributed. The chicken breasts should be mostly submerged in the liquid.

Slow Cooking the Chicken:

Now comes the waiting game, but trust me, it’s worth it! The slow cooker will work its magic, transforming the chicken into tender, flavorful perfection.

1. Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I prefer cooking on low for a longer period, as it results in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is where you’ll really see how tender the chicken has become!
3. Return the Chicken to the Slow Cooker: Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Cooking the Pasta:

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the pasta. I recommend cooking the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker. We want perfectly al dente pasta to complement the creamy chicken.

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
2. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere to it.

Combining and Finishing the Dish:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together and create the ultimate Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

1. Add the Pasta to the Slow Cooker: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
2. Heat Through: Cover the slow cooker and let the pasta heat through for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed to your liking. If you’re adding frozen peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to taste.
4. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago. A blend of cheeses can add even more flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to this dish. Stir it in at the end, just before serving.
• Use Cream Cheese: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a few ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
• Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.

Freezing Instructions:

While this dish is best served fresh, it can be frozen for longer storage. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it. The creamy, garlicky sauce, the tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in a symphony of deliciousness that’s incredibly easy to achieve, thanks to the magic of your crockpot. Forget slaving over a hot stove – this recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the sheer convenience! Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of this comforting pasta dish already prepared. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your evening. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as amazing the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.

But the real magic lies in the taste. The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, decadent, and utterly addictive. The chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. And the pasta? Perfectly cooked and coated in that luscious sauce. It’s a flavor combination that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is fantastic on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few simple additions. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness. A side of garlic bread is always a welcome accompaniment for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And for a complete meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables.

Want to get creative? There are endless variations you can try to customize this recipe to your liking. Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients. Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You could even substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different protein option. The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few more ideas to get you started:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* Add some veggies: Stir in some broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last hour of cooking.
* Make it cheesy: Top with extra parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, or provolone cheese before serving.
* Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
* Make it lighter: Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat parmesan cheese to cut down on the calories.

I’m confident that this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will become a new family favorite. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served it with, and most importantly, what you thought of the taste. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures with this amazing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Happy cooking!

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