If you are craving a comforting yet effortlessly delicious meal, this Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shredded chicken infused with rich garlic and Italian herbs, all swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta. This dish combines simplicity and indulgence in one pot, making your dinner prep a breeze while delivering a family-pleasing, restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and truly creamy texture. Each component plays a key role, from the aromatic garlic to the sharp Parmesan that enriches the sauce, ensuring every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy meat that soaks up all the flavors.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture for slow-cooking, keeping the chicken succulent.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Brings a silky creaminess to the sauce that complements the Parmesan perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty notes and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of aromatic flavor that elevates every mouthful.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the dish an authentic, cozy vibe.
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or shells): The perfect vehicle to soak up the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a solid base for the dish and ensures the meat cooks evenly, soaking up all the wonderful garlic and herbs placed on top.
Step 2: Season Generously
Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken. This simple seasoning step is crucial—it infuses the meat with layers of savory flavor that brighten with every bite.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This liquid is the magic elixir that slow-cooks the chicken to tender perfection, creating a flavorful cooking environment and later forming the base of your sauce.
Step 4: Slow-Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low, then cook for 4 to 5 hours. This slow, gentle cooking breaks down the chicken into tender, shreddable goodness, while melding all those wonderful flavors together.
Step 5: Shred and Enrich
Once the chicken is tender, shred it right in the crockpot. Then, add the cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until these cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce that wraps the shredded chicken with comforting richness.
Step 6: Add Pasta and Finish Cooking
Stir in the uncooked pasta, then switch the crockpot to high. Cook for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. The pasta soaks up the creamy sauce and flavors beautifully, turning this meal into a hearty, satisfying dish.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Give everything a final stir, then spoon out generous portions. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, where the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta come together in every mouthful.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a splash of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy richness. You can also add a little shredded mozzarella on top, allowing it to melt slightly for an extra cheesy experience.
Side Dishes
Consider light sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make a perfect accompaniment, letting you mop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta in a large rustic bowl and garnish with a generous grating of Parmesan and fresh herbs. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and broil briefly with mozzarella for a bubbly golden crust on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the creamy sauce’s texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating too quickly to prevent the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or shells work great because they hold the sauce well, you can use penne, rotini, or even small rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and enjoy the flexibility.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to an Instant Pot by using the sauté and slow cook functions or pressure cook for faster results. Just be sure to add pasta after shredding the chicken and cook until tender as usual.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with heavy cream or sour cream for a different texture, though cream cheese adds that unique velvety richness that defines this recipe’s signature sauce.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta occasionally when cooking in the crockpot on high to keep it from sticking. Also, make sure there’s enough liquid to cook the pasta thoroughly and keep it loose.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Adding peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes near the end of cooking adds color, nutrition, and bursts of flavor making this dish even more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe as your go-to comfort meal. It’s a wonderful blend of ease, flavor, and creamy indulgence that will quickly become a family favorite. So, grab your crockpot and give it a try—dinner just got a whole lot more delicious!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pot meal that combines tender shredded chicken with rich cream cheese and Parmesan, simmered with pasta in a flavorful garlic-infused broth. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Optional: shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish
Seasonings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
Instructions
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even layer for cooking.
- Season: Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth gently over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it is mostly covered for moist cooking.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks. Stir it back into the crockpot, then add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until both have melted smoothly into the sauce.
- Add Pasta: Incorporate the uncooked pasta into the creamy mixture, then cook on high heat for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the pasta is fully tender and the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and optional shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use chicken breasts for a lean protein option; chicken thighs can also be used for more flavor.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during the second cooking phase to prevent sticking.
- Adjust garlic and Italian seasoning to taste for more or less intensity.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make an excellent garnish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent drying out.
