Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that effortlessly combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and savory garlic into a hearty, satisfying meal. This slow-cooked recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any day you want a delicious, hands-off dinner.
The base of this dish is the combination of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The chicken is placed in the crockpot with a medley of seasonings including minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. These ingredients meld together during the slow cooking process, infusing the chicken with deep, aromatic flavors.
A key component of the sauce is a mix of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream adds a luscious, velvety texture, while the Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy coating for the chicken and pasta. Diced tomatoes and chicken broth are added to the crockpot, contributing to the overall depth of flavor and ensuring that the sauce has the perfect consistency.
As the dish cooks, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, allowing it to be easily shredded right in the crockpot. This shredding process ensures that the chicken is well incorporated into the sauce, creating a cohesive, creamy mixture. About 30 minutes before serving, the pasta is added to the crockpot. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb the flavors and become perfectly coated in the creamy mixture.
The result is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with the savory punch of garlic. The addition of fresh parsley as a garnish adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is wonderfully versatile. You can enhance it with additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, which can be added in the last hour of cooking. For a bit more flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before adding it to the crockpot to develop a deeper, richer garlic taste.
This dish is not only convenient but also incredibly satisfying, making it a great choice for family dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and allowing you to focus on other activities while it cooks. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and ease of preparation, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s a comforting meal that delivers on taste and convenience, making it ideal for any busy day.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Drizzle the heavy cream over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir to combine it with the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and add to the crockpot. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before adding it to the crockpot.
- If the sauce is too thick after cooking, you can thin it out with a little additional chicken broth or milk.
- You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the crockpot for extra nutrition and flavor. Just add them about 1 hour before serving.
- Ensure to adjust the seasoning to taste, as Parmesan cheese can add a lot of saltiness.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
