Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta*! It’s this creamy, dreamy dish that’s bursting with flavor and has become a staple in my home. The best part? You just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone was raving about the rich, garlicky aroma wafting through the house! Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite around my dinner table. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Ingredients List

2 pounds boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces pasta of your choice, uncooked
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Prepare Instructions

First, grab your trusty crockpot and place the chicken chunks right in there. It’s as easy as that! Then, sprinkle in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and pour in the chicken broth. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper—this will really enhance the flavor.
Now, it’s time to cook! Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. I usually go for low because it allows all those flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection and tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken—it’s like therapy!
While that’s happening, get your pasta boiling according to the package instructions. You want it cooked al dente, as it will continue to soak up that creamy goodness later.
Now, back to the crockpot! Add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir it all together until it’s a luscious, creamy mixture.
Finally, fold in the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
Before you serve, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it cook!
Creamy and flavorful, with a rich garlic parmesan sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Family-friendly—kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish.
Perfect for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Gluten-free option available by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Tips for Success

To make your *Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta* truly shine, here are some of my go-to tips!

Taste as you go: Don’t be shy about adjusting seasoning! Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Cook pasta al dente: This is key! You want your pasta slightly firm, as it’ll continue to soak up that creamy sauce once mixed in with the chicken and broth. Trust me, no one likes mushy pasta!
Get that creaminess just right: When adding the heavy cream and parmesan, stir it well to incorporate everything. If you find the sauce too thick, a splash more chicken broth can help loosen it up. You want it silky and smooth!
Let it rest: After combining everything, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making every bite even more delicious!
Fresh herbs make a difference: Don’t skip the fresh parsley at the end! It adds a nice brightness that balances the richness of the dish.

With these tips, you’ll create a dish that’s not just good, but downright spectacular!

Variations

If you want to mix things up with your *Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta*, there are so many fun ways to customize this dish! Here are some ideas that I absolutely love:

Pasta swap: Feel free to try different types of pasta! Penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta can add a unique touch. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Veggie boost: Toss in some fresh spinach or broccoli during the last hour of cooking. They’ll add color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch!
Herbs & spices: Experiment with your favorite herbs! Basil or thyme can bring a fresh twist to the flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or Italian sausage can add a nice kick!
Cheese variety: While parmesan is a classic, don’t hesitate to mix in some mozzarella or gouda for a melty, gooey texture. Yum!
Creamy alternatives: For a lighter version, try substituting half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream. It’ll still be delicious but with a tad less richness.

With these variations, you can keep this dish exciting and tailored to your taste! Dive in and have fun experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of my *Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta* can be just as delicious as the first serving, so don’t let them go to waste! To store, simply transfer any uneaten pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days.

When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, here’s how to reheat without sacrificing that creamy goodness:

Microwave: Place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This helps heat it evenly and keeps it creamy. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems a bit thick!
Stovetop: This method is my favorite for reheating! Just add the pasta to a skillet over medium heat. You might want to add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen it up as it warms. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through and creamy again.

Whichever method you choose, just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. I promise, with just a little care, those leftovers will taste almost as good as the first time around!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown per serving of my *Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta*:

Calories: 600
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 40g

This hearty dish packs a satisfying amount of protein along with those creamy, dreamy flavors. It’s a comforting meal that can definitely keep you full and happy!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just keep in mind that you’ll need to extend the cooking time by about an hour if you’re cooking on low, or an extra 30 minutes on high. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding!

What pasta works best?
I love using penne or rotini because they hold onto the sauce so well, but really, any pasta you like will work! Just check the cooking time and adjust it accordingly to ensure it’s cooked al dente.

How can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream alternative. You could also use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for an added nutritional boost!

Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can definitely double this recipe! Just make sure your crockpot can accommodate the larger quantity. If needed, you may want to cook it on low for a bit longer to ensure everything is heated through evenly.

How do I adjust cooking times for different crockpot models?
Every crockpot can vary a bit in cooking times, so if you have a newer model, it might cook a little faster. The best advice is to check the chicken for doneness after the minimum time suggested—just make sure it’s tender and shreds easily. If it’s still a bit firm, give it some extra time and check again!

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 7 Reasons to Indulge

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful dish featuring chicken and pasta with garlic and parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds chicken breast
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
8 ounces pasta of choice
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Place chicken in the crockpot.
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Remove chicken and shred.
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Add heavy cream and parmesan to the crockpot.
Stir in shredded chicken and cooked pasta.
Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust seasoning as needed.
Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta