Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, rich cheeses, and garlic-infused sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker.

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
• Chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, then add the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic on top.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Step 4: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, then stir to combine it with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotini or penne pasta to help the sauce cling well to each piece.
• For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
• Add steamed broccoli or spinach for some extra greens and nutrients.
• If you prefer more garlic flavor, increase the minced garlic to 2 tablespoons.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking, but if you use frozen, increase the cooking time by about an hour on low.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but you can use your favorite pasta type.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 112 reviews

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce. Combined with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a touch of heavy cream, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preparation: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to season it.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then add grated Parmesan cheese, cubed and softened cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken. This mixture will create the rich, creamy sauce as it cooks.
3. Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred.
4. Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy sauce, ensuring even flavor distribution.
5. Cook Pasta: While the chicken finishes cooking or once it’s done, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

• For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, rotini, or fusilli to hold the sauce well.
• Be sure to shred the chicken well so it combines easily with the creamy sauce.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger groups, just use a larger crockpot and increase cooking time slightly.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, crockpot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy dinner