This Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple and tasty meal. Just toss chicken, garlic, and creamy parmesan sauce into your slow cooker, and let it do the magic!
You’ll love how the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that garlicky goodness. I often make it on busy days when I want comfort food without the fuss! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook well in the crockpot. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs work great too and can add more flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that rich flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) instead. Just remember, fresh garlic gives a deeper taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even evaporated milk. But keep in mind that the sauce may be less creamy.
Pasta: I love penne for its texture, but any short pasta like rotini or shells will work too. If you’re gluten-free, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. You may need to adjust cooking times based on the pasta.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Is Tender?
Cooking chicken in the crockpot should result in tender, juicy meat. The key is to cook it on low for the right amount of time. Here are a few tips:
- Be sure not to overfill your crockpot; it should be no more than two-thirds full.
- Check the chicken with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps keep it juicy.
Following these steps will help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth chicken every time!
Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prep, and around 4 hours to cook in the crockpot (not including the final 30 minutes to cook the pasta). Perfect for a busy day when you want a warm and hearty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. It serves as the base for all those yummy flavors!
2. Add the Seasonings:
Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. This will help the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
3. Mix the Sauce:
Take a medium bowl and whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, and butter until everything is blended well. This mixture will create that creamy sauce we all love!
4. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour that creamy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated.
5. Cooking Time:
Now, cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is juicy and tender. You can check it with a fork, it should easily shred.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat. It’s super easy and will mix well with the pasta later!
7. Add the Pasta:
Next, throw uncooked pasta into the crockpot along with the shredded chicken. It will cook right in the sauce!
8. Mix in Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Gently stir everything together to ensure it’s well combined.
9. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crockpot again and switch the setting to high. Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. It will soak up all those creamy flavors!
10. Final Stir:
Before serving, give the pasta a good stir to make sure everything is well coated in that luscious sauce.
11. Garnish & Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite of this delicious, garlicky pasta dish!
FAQs About Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Cook on low for about 6-7 hours instead of 4 hours, making sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While I recommend short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different pastas may require more or less time to become tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken with the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply add the uncooked pasta and proceed with the instructions. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy days!