Slow Cooker Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta: Easy & Delicious! 🍝🧄🧀
1. Introduction
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that requires minimal effort? The crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is your answer. This easy crockpot chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all cooked together in your slow cooker for maximum convenience. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just looking for a delicious comfort food, this best chicken pasta recipe hits the spot every time.
2. Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For more ideas on quick family-friendly recipes, check out this easy stove top stuffing meatloaf recipe or our popular one-pot lasagna soup.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and helps create a delicious base for the sauce.
Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Cook the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir in the dry pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender—usually about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Finish and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese for a rich, flavorful finish. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if necessary to restore creaminess. For longer storage, consider freezing in portions for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Chicken Pasta Recipe
This crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. For an added crunch, sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs or extra parmesan. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
6. FAQ: Common Questions About Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and stay tender and juicy during slow cooking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The total prep time is around 10 minutes, with a slow cook time of 4-6 hours. It’s a perfect no-fuss meal for busy weeknights.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking enhances flavor and nutrition.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Make preparing this dish even easier with a reliable slow cooker that can handle large batches. This tool ensures even cooking and keeps your meal warm until serving.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for searing the chicken and other cooking tasks, this durable cookware set enhances your kitchen experience and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Chop your garlic or vegetables quickly and efficiently with this versatile prep tool.
Investing in quality tools like these can elevate your cooking experience and make preparing delicious meals like this crockpot chicken pasta even simpler.
8. Conclusion
Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights or effortless weekend dinners. With minimal prep, hands-off cooking, and a delicious outcome, it truly is a best chicken pasta recipe for any home chef. Try it today and savor a comforting, cheesy, garlic-infused pasta dish that your family will love!
9. Ready to try? Here’s your next step!
Get all the essential kitchen tools to make this amazing dish even easier, and start cooking your new favorite easy crockpot chicken pasta today!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta: Easy & Delicious!
Discover how to make the best crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta with this easy, flavorful recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners! This slow cooker garlic parm chicken pasta combines tender chicken, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all cooked together with minimal effort for a delicious, hearty meal.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir in the dry pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender—about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve hot with garlic bread or a salad.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last 30 minutes for extra nutrition.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of additional cream or chicken broth during reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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