The Irresistible Aroma of Garlic and Cheese
Ever walked into a kitchen and had a warm, cheesy aroma wrap around you like a cozy blanket? That’s exactly what awaits you with Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This dish isn’t just comforting; it’s a creamy, dreamy hug in a bowl that practically cooks itself. The combination of tender chicken bathed in a luscious Parmesan sauce over your favorite pasta is simply irresistible — and it’s all thanks to the magic of your crockpot! Who doesn’t want that kind of delicious ease on a busy weeknight?
Why Make This Recipe
You might be wondering why you should whip up this dish. First off, easy cleanup is practically guaranteed; your one-pot meal means fewer dishes to wash. Second, it’s family-friendly — even the picky eaters in the family won’t be able to resist this melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Lastly, this recipe is affordable; you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand! Plus, it’s a lot quicker than ordering takeout, and let’s be real, it tastes a thousand times better!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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 high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Cook the 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 Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Overview)
Making this dish is as easy as pie! Start by tossing your chicken into the crockpot and showering it with seasonings. Then, top it off with some savory and creamy goodness! Let it simmer, shred, and stir in your pasta and cream — before you know it, you’ll have a comforting bowl of pasta heaven. Pro tip: don’t skip on letting the chicken cook until it’s tender; that’s where the magic happens! 🪄
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This dish bursts with color and flavor! Serve it in wide, shallow bowls for a beautiful presentation. Top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that wow factor. The aroma? Pure bliss! It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in with your favorite book or show.
How to Store The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Want to prep ahead? Freeze portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a dash of water or extra cream to keep it creamy as it heats.
Tips to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Timing is key: For best results, make sure you don’t rush the cooking time; give it that 4 to 5 hours low-and-slow for ultimate tenderness.
- Pasta preferences: Swap out any pasta shape you like — and don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before you drain; it can help with the creaminess!
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Cheesy dreams: Feel free to mix different cheeses in for extra flavor; mozzarella is a tasty option!
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try using chicken thighs for extra juiciness. For a vegan twist, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use non-dairy cream cheese and Parmesan. You can even throw in some spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost!
FAQs
1. Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
2. How do I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. Just toss it in the crockpot in the morning!
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Portion it out and freeze for up to three months. Remember to let it cool before freezing!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For Garnish
- chopped parsley or extra Parmesan optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Cook the 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.
Serving
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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