Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food—crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta! This dish is a creamy, dreamy experience that makes my taste buds dance with joy. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic garlic and rich parmesan cheese, all simmered together in a slow cooker until the flavors meld into something truly magical. I remember the first time I made this for a cozy family dinner; the smell wafting through the house was simply heavenly! The best part? You just throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. It’s so convenient, and I love how the slow cooking really intensifies those delicious flavors. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients for your crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Trust me, quality matters here, so try to get the best you can find!

2 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless for easy shredding)
4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that aromatic kick)
1 cup chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium for a lighter touch)
1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy texture)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (go for freshly grated if you can, it makes a difference!)
8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or whatever you have on hand)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning!)
Fresh parsley for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness)

These ingredients are the building blocks of your dish, so take a moment to appreciate them! A little prep, and you’re on your way to a comforting bowl of goodness.

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easily it all comes together. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Start by placing the 2 pounds of chicken breasts right at the bottom of your trusty crockpot. No need to fuss with them; just lay them in there!
Next up, sprinkle in 4 cloves of minced garlic—the more, the merrier, honestly! Then, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. This will keep everything nice and moist.
Now, cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. I usually go for low because, well, it’s a crockpot, and slow cooking is where the magic happens!
Once the time’s up, carefully remove the chicken. It should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. Go ahead and do that!
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, and now it’s time to add the star ingredients. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and sprinkle in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir it all together until it’s combined and creamy.
Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle and get even richer.
While that’s happening, cook your 8 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain it well.
Finally, mix the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture, season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it one last stir.
Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving! It adds such a lovely touch.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

Now, for a little extra magic, here are some tips to elevate your dish:

If you love garlic, feel free to add extra cloves. It really amps up the flavor!
For pasta, I recommend using something sturdy like penne or rotini as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Want a lighter version? Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and still get that creamy texture!
Don’t be afraid to toss in some veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

With these steps and tips, you’re on your way to creating a bowl of pure comfort that your family will adore. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk nutrition! It’s always good to know what’s going into our delicious meals, right? Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are estimates based on the recipe as written.

Calories: 550
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 35g

These values can help you decide how this dish fits into your meal plan. Whether you’re counting calories or just trying to eat a bit healthier, it’s nice to have a ballpark figure to guide you. Enjoy your creamy, garlicky pasta guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re on the fence about trying this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, let me give you a little nudge! There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish, and I just can’t keep them to myself:

Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, creamy parmesan, and tender chicken creates a flavor that’s out of this world.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish wraps you in a warm hug with each bite—ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a pick-me-up.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It just gets better as it sits!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this creamy pasta. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the pasta type to make it your own!

With all these fantastic reasons, I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation forever. Trust me, it’s a winner!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe! Just keep in mind that when using frozen chicken breasts, you’ll need to extend the cooking time a bit. If you’re cooking on low, aim for about 8 hours. On high, it should take around 4 hours. Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. It’s a great way to make this dish even easier, especially on those busy days!

What type of pasta works best?

When it comes to pasta, you have plenty of delicious options! I personally love using penne or rotini because their shapes really hold onto that creamy sauce and add a lovely bite. However, feel free to get creative! Farfalle, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta work wonderfully too. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose, it’s sturdy enough to stand up to the rich sauce. Happy pasta hunting!

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If it seems a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Enjoy those yummy leftovers!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Veggie-Loaded: Toss in some fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or even zucchini to add a pop of color and nutrition. Just add them in the last hour of cooking for perfect tenderness!
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs added right before serving can brighten up the dish.
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños. It’ll give your creamy pasta a delightful spicy edge!
Cheese Lovers: Go wild with cheese! Mix in some mozzarella or fontina for an extra cheesy experience that melts beautifully.
Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly!

With these variations, you can keep this dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. Enjoy exploring the endless possibilities!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this creamy, comforting crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more delightful! Trust me, pairing it with the right sides can take your dinner to the next level.

Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious creamy sauce!
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of your pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Try serving some roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Their caramelized flavors complement the pasta beautifully and add a lovely color to your plate.
Steamed Green Beans: These are quick and easy to prepare, and their crispiness adds a nice contrast to the creamy dish.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the garlic and parmesan notes in the pasta.

With these sides, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that everyone will rave about. Enjoy your delicious creation and the wonderful company around your table!

Call to Action

Now that you’ve made this delicious crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, I’d love to hear all about your experience! Did you make any fun variations or add your own twist? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts! Your feedback not only brightens my day, but it also helps fellow readers discover new ideas and inspiration. And if you loved this dish as much as I do, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to see how you enjoyed this creamy, comforting meal. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 7 Comforting Steps

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, garlic, and parmesan cheese, cooked slowly for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Add minced garlic and chicken broth.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Remove chicken and shred it with two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
Mix cooked pasta into the chicken mixture.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Use any type of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
Adjust garlic to your taste preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta

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