Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Just imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta wafting through your house. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be! This incredibly easy and flavorful recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple.

While pasta dishes have been a cornerstone of Italian cuisine for centuries, evolving from simple peasant fare to sophisticated culinary creations, the beauty of this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its modern convenience. It takes the classic comfort of garlic parmesan chicken and transforms it into a hands-off, slow-cooked masterpiece. Think of it as a delicious shortcut to a restaurant-quality meal!

People absolutely adore this dish for so many reasons. First and foremost, the taste is simply divine. The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfectly complementing the juicy, fall-apart chicken. The texture is also a winner – tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce that clings to every strand. But perhaps the biggest draw is the sheer convenience. With minimal prep time and the magic of the crockpot, you can have a satisfying and delicious meal ready and waiting for you. Who wouldn’t love that?

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what gives the chicken its flavor!
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a good sear on them. This will add a lot of flavor to the final dish.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through; they’ll finish cooking in the crockpot.
4. Now, let’s work on the vegetables. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
5. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. If you’re using white wine, now’s the time to add it to the skillet. Pour in the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, until it has reduced slightly.
7. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the other vegetables.

Slow Cooking the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Now it’s time to assemble everything in the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the crockpot. This will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from sticking.
2. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the chicken broth.
3. Pour the vegetable mixture from the skillet over the chicken. Make sure the vegetables are evenly distributed.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork. Cooking on low for a longer period will result in more tender chicken.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Be careful, as it will be very hot!
6. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Cooking the Pasta and Assembling the Dish:

1. While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the crockpot.
2. Drain the pasta well. You can reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, just in case the sauce needs a little thinning later on.
3. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and melted butter.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Stir everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7. Cover the crockpot and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and the flavors to meld together. This step is important for creating a creamy and flavorful dish.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot.
2. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of heat.
3. This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
• Use different cheese: You can substitute some of the Parmesan cheese with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.
• Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just shred the chicken and add it to the crockpot with the other ingredients.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, just add it to the crockpot and cook as directed.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is truly a game-changer. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel a little less hectic and weekends a whole lot cozier. I know, I know, there are a million pasta recipes out there, but trust me on this one – the slow cooker magic really elevates the flavors and creates a creamy, dreamy sauce that you just won’t get anywhere else. The ease of preparation alone makes it a winner, but the incredible taste? That’s what makes it a must-try.

Think about it: tender, juicy chicken infused with garlic and Parmesan, all nestled in perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, velvety sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part is that you barely have to lift a finger! This recipe is perfect for busy families, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. It’s also incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your additions.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, there are tons of ways to customize it to your liking. For a pop of color and added nutrients, consider stirring in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Want to make it even richer? Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for an extra creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese or even Greek yogurt. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

And don’t forget the sides! A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to this rich and satisfying pasta dish. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also a great addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce. If you’re serving a crowd, consider adding a vegetable platter or a fruit salad to round out the meal.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and how incredibly delicious it tastes. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let your slow cooker work its magic. You won’t regret it!

Once you’ve made this amazing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!