Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fan-favorite recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, a luxurious cream sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot, the chicken stays juicy and infused with the aromatic blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. The end result is a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to devour.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, blending convenience, flavor, and nutrition into one satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a sublime texture contrast that will leave your taste buds thoroughly impressed.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly accessible, with most ingredients being pantry or freezer staples. And the hands-off crockpot cooking method means you can prepare it in advance and enjoy a hot, homemade meal with minimal effort.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy dinner party, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to become a new favorite.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ❓
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta
The beauty of this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of rich cream cheese, tangy Parmesan, and fragrant garlic creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made crockpot recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• Step 3: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
• Step 4: Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 30 minutes
• Total time: 6 hours 40 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes
Compared to traditional baked chicken and pasta casseroles which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 770mg
These Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta provide approximately 72% of your daily protein requirements and 30% of your daily calcium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for the pasta.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like almond-based cheese or cashew cream.
• Added protein: Add cooked chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, refreshing spritzer for a complete meal.
• Complement the pasta with a bowl of minestrone soup or a Caesar salad for a well-rounded Italian-inspired feast.
• For a family dinner, serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta alongside roasted vegetables and warm rolls.
• Create an impressive dinner party platter by arranging the pasta with marinated olives, toasted breadsticks, and a cheese board.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using cold cream cheese: For a smooth, creamy sauce, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the crockpot. Cold cream cheese can clump and create a grainy texture.
• Skipping the shredding step: Shredding the chicken directly in the crockpot helps it blend seamlessly into the sauce. Leaving the chicken breasts whole can result in an uneven distribution of meat throughout the dish.
• Overcrowding the crockpot: Be sure to use a 6-quart or larger crockpot to ensure the ingredients have enough room to cook evenly. Overfilling the pot can lead to uneven heating and subpar results.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust: Before serving, take a moment to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or herbs can make all the difference in the final flavor profile.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the pasta, then freeze the chicken and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before completing the recipe.
• Freezing baked: Allow the finished dish to cool completely, then portion and freeze in individual servings. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftover pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture as needed.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, stir in the uncooked pasta, and cook for an additional 30 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months, then thaw and complete the recipe when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork tenderloin would both work well in this recipe, providing similar rich, savory flavors. You can also use cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quicker prep time. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the new protein is cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dairy-free, you can replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative like almond-based cream cheese or cashew cream. For the Parmesan, look for dairy-free Parmesan-style shreds made from nuts or coconut. These substitutions will give you a creamy, flavorful sauce without the dairy.
Why is my pasta coming out mushy?
Overcooked pasta is a common issue with crockpot recipes. To prevent this, be sure to add the uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This will allow the pasta to cook through without becoming too soft or mushy. Stir the pasta regularly during this final step to ensure even cooking.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is highly versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Try mixing in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or even broccoli florets. You can add the vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking along with the pasta to ensure they retain their texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy texture and aromatic garlic-Parmesan notes. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward crockpot preparation, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques just quality ingredients and a little bit of patience in the slow cooker.
So why not give this restaurant-worthy recipe a try and enjoy the incredible aroma and flavor it brings to your home?
Print
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta
Instructions
• Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan, chicken broth, milk, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
• Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• Step 3: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
• Step 4: Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 770mg
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
Keywords: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
