The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This recipe for The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your go-to solution for a delicious and hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken with rich garlic and creamy Parmesan sauce, making it a comforting favorite. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to impress everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work; perfect for busy days.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a savory sauce that enhances every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for any occasion—family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy pasta dish, making mealtime easier.
• Leftover Friendly: This recipe makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day!

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful dish, you will need a few essential tools. These will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop any ingredients with ease.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts, which helps in cooking evenly.
• Mixing spoon: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly once cooked.

Ingredients

For The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main 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
• Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish

How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Add Broth and Cheeses

1. Pour in the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
2. Add grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top.

Step 3: Cook It Up!

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine shredded chicken with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Cook Your Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain well before adding it to the crockpot.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half into the crockpot.
2. Stir everything together until all pasta is well coated with sauce.

Step 7: Serve Your Dish

1. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy making this easy yet delectable dish!

How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy and savory dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the meal and create a comforting dining experience.

With Fresh Salad

• A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.

With Garlic Bread

• Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a nutritious balance, adding color and texture to your plate.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Enhance the flavor by sprinkling extra grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the pasta before serving.

With Wine Pairing

• A glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the richness of the sauce.

How to Perfect The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

To ensure you create the best version of this dish, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor and richness of your dish.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving; feel free to add more salt or pepper according to your preference.

• Cook pasta al dente: Undercook your pasta slightly as it will continue to cook when added to the warm sauce in the crockpot.

• Add vegetables: For extra nutrition, throw in some spinach or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and flavor.

• Experiment with cheese: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a unique twist on flavors.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pairing this delicious pasta dish with complementary sides can enhance your meal even further. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing offers a nice crunch alongside your creamy pasta.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a slightly sweet contrast to the savory pasta.

3. Garlic Herb Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with garlic and herbs serves as a perfect neutral base that soaks up any extra sauce.

4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and crunch that balances out the richness of the pasta dish.

5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus spears seasoned with lemon juice offer a fresh, vibrant side.

6. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls on skewers make for an easy-to-eat side that adds freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you create The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe perfectly every time.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times for tender, juicy chicken.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can leave your dish bland. Be sure to use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper generously.
• Using cold cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese can result in lumps. Always cube and soften it before mixing into the sauce for a smooth texture.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Failing to shred the chicken well means uneven distribution of flavor. Use two forks to ensure it’s mixed thoroughly with the sauce.
• Adding uncooked pasta directly: Tossing in uncooked pasta won’t allow it to absorb flavors. Always cook pasta separately before adding it to the crockpot.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The dish can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to leave space for expansion when sealing.

Reheating The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used; just increase the cooking time by an hour on low or half an hour on high.

What type of pasta works best?

You can use penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer. Choose one that holds sauce well for maximum flavor.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. You could also swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives available at your local store.

Final Thoughts

This cozy and satisfying recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it incredibly appealing. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!