Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and sure to please the whole family? Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, all cooked together in your slow cooker to create a comforting meal that’s both rich and satisfying. The best part? It’s super easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and allowing you to set it and forget it until dinnertime.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through how to make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, why it’s such a popular choice for busy nights, and provide tips for customizing it to suit your tastes.

What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a one-pot, slow-cooked meal that combines chicken, pasta, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The chicken is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, absorbing all the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and seasonings. The sauce is creamy, flavorful, and just the right consistency to coat the pasta. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that can be made with minimal effort and is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You place the ingredients in your Crockpot, let it cook low and slow, and then finish it off with the pasta. It’s an easy way to prepare a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta So Popular?

Hands-Off Cooking

One of the best things about this recipe is the set-it-and-forget-it nature of the slow cooker. You don’t have to worry about constantly stirring or watching over the dish. Just throw everything in the Crockpot, let it cook, and focus on other tasks.

Creamy, Rich Sauce

The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is what makes this dish so special. The combination of butter, cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic creates a rich and savory sauce that coats the chicken and pasta, making each bite creamy and indulgent.

Perfect for Busy Nights

This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone who doesn’t have much time to cook but still wants a delicious meal. You can easily make a big batch of this meal, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.

Customizable

This dish is highly customizable. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition. You can also swap out the chicken for ground turkey or chicken thighs for a different flavor. The pasta can also be changed up based on your preference.

Comforting and Satisfying

The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta makes this dish a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for cozy dinners at home, especially on colder evenings.

Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Making this dish requires a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the chicken, optional)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (for a creamy texture)
• 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a rich and creamy sauce)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Making Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is easy and requires minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Brown the Chicken (Optional)

While this step is optional, browning the chicken before adding it to the Crockpot helps to enhance the flavor of the dish. If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This will give the chicken a nice sear and extra flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

1. If you browned the chicken, transfer it to the Crockpot. If not, just add the uncooked chicken breasts directly to the slow cooker.
2. Add the cream cheese, butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the Crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine the ingredients as much as possible.
3. Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken in the Crockpot. Stir the chicken into the creamy sauce to coat it evenly with all the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. (You can cook the pasta earlier in the day or while the chicken is finishing up in the Crockpot.)

Step 5: Combine the Pasta with the Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is shredded and the pasta is cooked, add the pasta to the Crockpot and stir until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. If you like, you can add a little extra Parmesan cheese or heavy cream to make the sauce even creamier.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a side salad or garlic bread.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add some freshness and nutrition to the meal.
• Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus with a squeeze of lemon complements the creamy pasta.

Conclusion

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, combined with tender shredded chicken and pasta, creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal that feels like it’s been cooking for hours, without spending too much time in the kitchen.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning, swap out the protein, or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this Crockpot dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Crockpot. Just add the frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding.

2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture. The soup will still be creamy, though the flavor will change slightly.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. How can I make the sauce richer?

To make the sauce richer, you can add more Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, or butter. You can also use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter, but still creamy, sauce.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! You can easily add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. Just add them when you add the chicken broth and other ingredients. If using spinach, add it closer to the end of cooking to keep it from wilting too much.

6. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time of the pasta according to the type of pasta you choose. Short pasta like penne or rotini works best, but you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine.

7. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the entire dish ahead of time. Just cook the chicken and sauce, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, then add the cooked pasta just before serving.

8. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add extra cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

9. Can I add a little spice to the sauce?

Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.

10. What can I serve this with?

Serve this dish with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced and satisfying meal.