I’m always searching for tasty, easy meals for my family. That’s why I’m excited to share this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. It’s a slow-cooked dish that mixes tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Key Takeaways
- Slow-cooked crockpot meal for convenience
- Combines chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce
- Comforting and flavorful one-pot dish
- Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
- Easy to prepare with minimal effort
Why This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Will Become Your Go-To Meal
Looking for a comforting meal that’s easy on your wallet and tastes amazing? This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your answer. It’s perfect for busy nights, offering rich flavors with little effort.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This dish is a breeze to make thanks to the slow cooker. Just add the ingredients and let it cook while you do other things. You’ll get a delicious meal with almost no work.
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
Want a tasty meal that won’t empty your wallet? This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is both flavorful and affordable. It’s a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy.
Make-Ahead Convenience
Need an easy meal prep option? This recipe is perfect. Just prep it in the morning, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat dinner by night. It’s ideal for quick, satisfying dinners.
Ready to make this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a staple in your kitchen? It’s a winning combo of convenience, comfort, and taste. It’s perfect for any busy night or family meal.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment for Success
To make the perfect crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you need a few key ingredients and the right tools. I love trying new recipes in the kitchen. Having the essentials ready is key for the creamiest, most flavorful dish.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the main protein
- Elbow macaroni or penne pasta for the perfect pasta texture
- Grated parmesan cheese to create the signature garlic parmesan flavor
- Minced garlic for that irresistible aroma and taste
- Heavy cream or half-and-half to achieve the creamy sauce
- Chicken broth to add moisture and depth of flavor
- Dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for an extra flavor boost
A reliable slow cooker is crucial for this chicken pasta bake recipe. Choose one with at least 4 quarts to fit all the ingredients. You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife for cutting the chicken, and a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring.
| Ingredient | Recommended Brand or Type |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Perdue or Bell & Evans boneless, skinless breasts or thighs |
| Pasta | Barilla or De Cecco elbow macaroni or penne |
| Parmesan Cheese | Grated Parmesan from Kraft or Sargento |
| Garlic | Fresh minced garlic or pre-minced from Spice World |
| Dairy | Heavy cream or half-and-half from Land O’Lakes or Horizon Organic |
| Broth | Swanson or College Inn chicken broth |
| Dried Herbs | McCormick or Spice World dried oregano, basil, or thyme |
With these essential ingredients and the right equipment, you’re ready to make a delicious and creamy pasta recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy slow cooker recipes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is simple. I’ll show you how to make it creamy and flavorful, one step at a time.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by putting boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. This will make the garlic parmesan sauce even better.
Creating the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Now, let’s make the garlic parmesan sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Then, whisk in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a bit of salt and pepper. Let it simmer and thicken for 5 minutes.
Adding and Cooking the Pasta
When the sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Add your favorite pasta, like penne or rotini. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The chicken will be cooked, and the pasta will be tender.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious, creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy one-pot meal.
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Pasta Results
As a seasoned home cook, I’ve picked up some key tips. These ensure my crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is always creamy and tasty. First, I adjust the cooking time based on the chicken’s size and tenderness. This way, the chicken becomes tender and adds its flavor to the dish.
For the creamiest pasta, I tweak the garlic parmesan sauce’s ratio. Adding more parmesan cheese and heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Remember to save some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness for the perfect consistency.
Lastly, serving this dish hot and fresh is crucial. The creamy pasta is at its best when it’s just out of the crockpot. Add some fresh parsley and garlic bread, and it’s a hit with everyone.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Combine in Crockpot:
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the pasta to the crockpot. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.
- Cook until the pasta is tender.
- Serve:
- Shred the chicken if desired, and stir everything together. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside garlic bread if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add an additional ½ cup of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce's thickness if needed.
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
