Discover the Creamy Delight of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Craving a creamy, comforting, and effortless pasta dish? Look no further than Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This slow-cooked masterpiece combines tender chicken, a dreamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and al dente pasta for a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? It all comes together with minimal prep work, thanks to the trusty slow cooker. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure bliss!

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Why Use a Crockpot for Chicken Pasta?

The slow cooker is the secret weapon when it comes to Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Not only does it effortlessly tenderize the chicken, but it also allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly over time. No more standing over the stove stirring and checking—the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a hassle-free, mouthwatering dish. Plus, the long, slow cooking process infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, making it the most tender and juicy it can be.

The Irresistible Appeal of Garlic Parmesan

The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. In Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, this dynamic duo creates a creamy, savory sauce that coats every bite. The garlic adds a fragrant depth of flavor, while the Parmesan cheese lends a luxurious, cheesy richness that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of bold and comforting, making this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients Breakdown

The beauty of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredient list. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

• Chicken: For this recipe, you’ll want to use 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts or boneless thighs. The chicken will become deliciously tender and shredded after slow cooking.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups of chicken broth help create the creamy sauce and infuse the dish with savory flavor.
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz of cream cheese adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese lends its distinctive, nutty flavor and melty goodness.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of minced garlic provide the essential aromatic backbone for the dish.
• Seasonings: 1 tsp each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and black pepper to taste, help balance the flavors.
• Pasta: 12 oz of your favorite pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli, is the perfect vehicle for this creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: A touch of ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half adds an extra layer of richness.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

By using high-quality, fresh ingredients, you’ll ensure that your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out absolutely mouthwatering.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a breeze, thanks to the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps for delicious results:

1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add the Cream Base: Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken, then top with the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and then return it to the creamy sauce.
5. Cook the Pasta: In the last 20 minutes of cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker.
6. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to create a luscious, creamy texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot, creamy, and comforting!

Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and juicy results.
• Adjusting Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your liking, adding more or less garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper as desired.
• Cooking Time Variations: Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s settings and the size/thickness of your chicken pieces.
• Pasta Cooking Tips: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb the creamy sauce in the slow cooker.
• Making Ahead of Time: You can prepare the entire dish in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve for a quick and easy meal.

Health Benefits of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients

While Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta may be a comforting and indulgent dish, it also boasts some impressive health benefits thanks to its key ingredients:

• Chicken: A lean protein that’s packed with essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, as well as minerals like phosphorus and niacin.
• Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, garlic can help support a healthy immune system.
• Whole Grains in Pasta: Choosing whole-grain pasta provides fiber, B vitamins, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Cream and Cheese in Moderation: While these ingredients add richness, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• Healthier Alternatives: For a lighter version, try using low-fat cream cheese and whole-grain pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a standout, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or chickpeas for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as rice, lentil, or quinoa-based varieties.
• Dairy-Free Modifications: Instead of cream cheese and Parmesan, use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor.
• Flavor Additions: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Different Seasoning Blends: Experiment with Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or a touch of lemon zest to change up the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a fresh, crisp salad or a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. For a complete meal, pair it with a light, refreshing white wine or a bold red, depending on your personal preference.

This dish also makes for an excellent meal prep option. Simply portion out the leftovers and store them in the refrigerator for easy, grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

FAQ

How to cook chicken pasta in a slow cooker?

To cook Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the slow cooker, simply place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot, season it, and then add the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender. In the last 20 minutes, cook the pasta separately and then stir it into the creamy sauce.

How do you slow cook chicken parmesan pasta?

For Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, the slow cooking process is essential. The chicken breasts or thighs are cooked low and slow in the crockpot, allowing them to become incredibly tender and shredded. The creamy, cheesy sauce also has time to develop its rich, flavorful profile as it simmers away in the slow cooker.

How long to heat pasta and chicken?

In this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe, the chicken cooks for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. Then, the cooked pasta is added to the crockpot in the last 20 minutes to heat through and soak up the creamy sauce.

How to use a slow cooker for pasta?

The slow cooker is the perfect tool for making Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. The long, gentle cooking time in the crockpot tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to meld together. For the pasta, you’ll want to cook it separately and then stir it into the creamy sauce in the last 20 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Tuscan Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
• One Pot Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta

Conclusion

Get ready to indulge in a comforting, creamy, and effortless Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With tender chicken, a dreamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this slow cooker masterpiece is the ultimate in easy, hassle-free weeknight dinners. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of this delectable dish for yourself?

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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