CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA

I vividly remember my first attempt at making a fancy dinner for a date. I wanted something impressive, but also something I wouldn’t completely butcher in the kitchen. After hours of searching, I stumbled upon the concept of slow cooker meals, and immediately thought of pasta. And that’s where my love affair began with versions of what is now known as Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It was a resounding success – the creamy, garlicky flavors were a total hit! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Crockpot Chicken Pasta

Okay, friends, let’s be real. We all need those go-to recipes that are easy, delicious, and require minimal effort, right? This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is *that* recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, dreamy garlic parmesan sauce that will make your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but really, your trusty crockpot did all the hard work! Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak it to your heart’s content.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 – 2 pounds. You can use frozen or thawed chicken, but thawed is best for even cooking.
• Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), and rigatoni all work beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. This creates the base for our delicious sauce and helps cook the pasta.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This is the secret to the ultra-creamy texture we’re going for. Don’t skimp on this!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated. Freshly grated is key for the best flavor and texture. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same way.
• Garlic: 4-6 cloves, minced. Adjust to your garlic preference! I’m a garlic fanatic, so I usually go for 6.
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons. This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously!
• Optional Add-Ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, red pepper flakes – the possibilities are endless!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness in no time.

1. Place Chicken in Crockpot: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange them in a single layer.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
3. Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. The aroma at this point will be heavenly!
6. Cook the Pasta: Bring the liquid in the crockpot to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta to the crockpot, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.
7. Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep a close eye on it – you don’t want mushy pasta!
8. Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up.
9. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using any optional ingredients, like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach, stir them in now.
10. Serve and Enjoy!: Serve hot and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Success Tips for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Want to make sure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an absolute home run? Here are a few of my golden tips!

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is crucial! Nobody likes mushy pasta. Check the pasta frequently after about 15 minutes and cook until it’s al dente.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: I cannot stress this enough! Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated parmesan will give you the creamiest, most flavorful sauce.
• Adjust the Garlic to Your Taste: Some people love a strong garlic flavor, while others prefer a more subtle hint. Start with 4 cloves and add more to taste. You can even use roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Season: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning can make a big difference.
• Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) to the crockpot along with the chicken broth. It adds a lovely acidity and complexity to the sauce.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version.

• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot for a little kick.
• Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta: Add a can of diced tomatoes and some fresh basil to the crockpot.
• Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Pasta: Sauté some mushrooms and spinach in a pan and add them to the crockpot along with the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
• Pesto Chicken Pasta: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto after the pasta is cooked.
• Add Veggies: Broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or even zucchini can be added to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli are all great options.

Making Ahead & Storing

Need to get a head start on dinner? No problem! You can easily prepare this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time.

Making Ahead:

You can assemble the entire dish in the crockpot (up to the point of adding the pasta, heavy cream and Parmesan) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply take it out of the refrigerator and follow the cooking instructions as directed. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid during cooking.

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy, delicious crockpot meals, you’ll definitely want to check out these other recipes:

• Craving a hearty soup? Then you should definitely try CROCK POT CRACK SOUP. This soup is packed with flavor and is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Looking for a flavorful Mexican dish? Our CROCKPOT CHICKEN ENCHILADA recipe is a must-try! It’s easy to make and bursting with cheesy, spicy goodness.
• Need a comfort food classic? Check out our CROCK POT CHILI MAC recipe. It’s the perfect combination of chili and mac and cheese.
• For a creamy and comforting dinner, you can’t beat CREAMY CHICKEN RICE. This recipe is so simple to throw together and always satisfying.
• If you’re looking for a romantic pasta dish, try Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a special occasion.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! I hope you love it as much as my family and I do. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it’s always a hit with guests. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to let me know in the comments how it turns out! Happy cooking, friends!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an easy, delicious, and customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are enveloped in a rich and flavorful garlic parmesan sauce, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil optional, for searing chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Optional: sun-dried tomatoes
• Optional: spinach
• Optional: mushrooms
• Optional: red pepper flakes

Equipment

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Large Pot or Dutch Oven (for boiling pasta, if not cooking in slow cooker)
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork (for shredding chicken)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing Spoon
• Cheese grater

Method

 

1. If desired, sear chicken breasts in olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to brown. This step is optional but enhances flavor.
2. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
4. Pour chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
7. Bring the liquid in the slow cooker to a boil. If you prefer to cook the pasta separately, boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
8. Add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. If the slow cooker is too full, cook the pasta separately.
9. Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep a close eye on it – you don’t want mushy pasta!
10. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up.
11. If you’re using any optional ingredients, like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach, stir them in now.
12. Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, use roasted garlic instead of minced garlic. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy sauce. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. Adding a splash of white wine while cooking enhances the flavors. 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, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.