If you are searching for a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together effortlessly, the Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, all perfectly melded with pasta for a hearty meal. It’s a simple yet stunning combination that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with satisfying textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for building the luscious taste and creamy texture that make this dish such a winner. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors and adding richness to the pasta and chicken.
- 12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce: This sauce is the flavor powerhouse, giving the dish a wonderful garlic and cheesy base.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, which becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cut into pieces): Adds creaminess and helps create that luscious texture you crave.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Extra cheese means extra flavor and a delightful cheesy finish.
- 10 ounces dry pasta (cooked and drained): Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce and making the dish a satisfying meal.
- Parsley and red pepper flakes (for garnish): Fresh herbs bring brightness, while red pepper flakes add a gentle kick.
How to Make Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This little step will save you from any sticky mess later and make cleaning up a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. This creates the perfect base for soaking up the sauce flavors during cooking.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce generously over the chicken. This sauce will infuse the chicken with its rich, garlicky goodness while cooking low and slow.
Step 4: Cream Cheese and Parmesan
Scatter the cream cheese pieces and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce. These cheeses melt into a creamy, flavorful blanket that enhances every bite.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred while the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 6: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot with two forks. Stir the chicken into the sauce to evenly distribute all those incredible flavors.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
Prepare your pasta according to the package instructions, drain it well, and get ready to bring both components together.
Step 8: Combine and Garnish
Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot and give everything a gentle stir. Top off your creation with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful medley of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a slight herbal freshness, while red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that perfectly balances the creamy richness. Adding these garnishes just before serving elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus. These lighter sides provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta and keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy family dinner or plate it elegantly with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and microgreens for guests. You could even stuff the cheesy chicken mixture into bell peppers or bake it in individual ramekins for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers of the Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For best quality, freeze the pasta and sauce separately to avoid texture changes. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir well to restore that creamy consistency and ensure the chicken warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using a dry pasta like penne or rotini, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just be mindful of the cooking time and adjust accordingly.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?
For best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use raw chicken breasts as the slow cooking allows the meat to soak up the sauce. Using pre-cooked chicken might result in dryer pieces and less flavor absorption.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by cooking the chicken under pressure for about 12 to 15 minutes, then stirring in the cheese and pasta. Just be careful not to overcook the pasta.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I prefer dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut cream. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor but still provide creaminess.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. You can always adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe a try because it’s a delicious game-changer for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a rich, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to turn to again and again.
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Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is an easy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich parmesan garlic sauce with cream cheese and parmesan for a creamy, flavorful base. Toss in cooked pasta at the end, garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, and enjoy a creamy, hearty dish that requires minimal effort.
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 10 ounces dry pasta, cooked and drained
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the entire 12-ounce bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Add Cheeses: Add the cream cheese pieces and grated parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce for a creamy texture.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the lid, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, and stir to combine the shredded chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta by cooking it according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked and drained pasta into the crockpot with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes on top for added flavor and a touch of heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but add it at the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
- For extra vegetables, add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the crockpot for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes or add them to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
