Simple and Delicious: A Family Favorite
If you’re looking for an easy and tasty dinner idea, look no further than this crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe. It’s super easy to make, perfect for busy days, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
This dish combines juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and pasta—all cooked together for rich flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that warms hearts and fills bellies. Plus, using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors blend together effortlessly.
Steps to Create the Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta
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
Directions
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Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour in the chicken broth, then add the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Once done, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir it into the sauce.
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Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain it, and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
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Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then stir everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in the creamy sauce.
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Serve warm, adding extra Parmesan or chopped parsley on top if you’d like.
Serving Suggestions for Your Meal
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is delightful served right from the crockpot. Dish it up in big bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings. It pairs well with a green salad or some garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they might vanish fast!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The pasta will keep well for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Helpful Suggestions for a Perfect Dish
- For extra flavor, add some Italian seasoning or chili flakes.
- Feel free to tweak the pasta type according to your family’s preference.
- If you want more vegetables, spinach or broccoli can be a great addition close to the end of cooking time.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize this recipe by adding veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms for a nutrition boost. Switching up the cheese or using different types of chicken (like thighs instead of breasts) can also add unique flavors to the dish.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values can vary, a typical serving includes a good amount of protein and carbs, making this dish quite balanced when enjoyed with a side of vegetables!
Ideas to Enjoy with Family
You could serve this pasta dish with a light side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette. A loaf of crusty bread or a cheesy garlic bread can also complement the meal beautifully.
Delicious Pairing Suggestions
This mouthwatering pasta goes well with a variety of side dishes. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot, but you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream alternative.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance and store it in the crockpot. Just set it to cook when you’re ready for dinner!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once done, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir it into the sauce.
Pasta Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain it, and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
- Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then stir everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve warm, adding extra Parmesan or chopped parsley on top if you’d like.
