The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the indulgent flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and cream cheese to make a creamy, comforting pasta dish. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, while the sauce turns out rich and velvety. The addition of heavy cream at the end gives the dish a smooth finish, making every bite more delicious than the last. Plus, you can customize the pasta type and enjoy a complete meal in one pot. The best part? You’ll have minimal hands-on time, so you can set it and forget it until dinnertime!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

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

2. Add the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.

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

4. Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.

5. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.

6. Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half, stir everything together until pasta is well coated and creamy.

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

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 4-5 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, or increase the amount of vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.

• Different Cheeses: Swap Parmesan for other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a slightly different flavor.

• Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat the pasta by adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can use the microwave or a stovetop on low heat for best results.

• Freezing: Freeze leftovers in single portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may notice a slight change in the texture of the sauce, but stirring it well will bring it back together.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that the cooking time may be a bit longer—around 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, rotini, or any short pasta works best, but you can use your favorite pasta type. Just make sure to cook it separately and add it to the sauce at the end.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Just cook it the next day as usual.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.

5. How do I thicken the sauce?

The sauce will thicken naturally as it cooks. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a little cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. You can also substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream.

7. How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

The chicken will become tender and easy to shred once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken at the 4-hour mark when cooking on low.

8. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or beef broth as a substitute for chicken broth, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

9. Can I skip the cream?

While the cream adds a smooth and velvety texture to the sauce, you can skip it for a lighter version. The sauce will still be flavorful, just a bit less rich.

10. How can I make the sauce more garlicky?

To increase the garlic flavor, you can add extra minced garlic or roasted garlic to the crockpot. For a milder flavor, use garlic powder instead of minced garlic.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory, making it an easy and satisfying dinner for any occasion. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!

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