Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Recipe
Featured in Crockpot.
Creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan chicken with tender pasta, all made effortlessly in your crockpot.
You know, there are some recipes that just feel like home. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is absolutely one of them. I remember those whirlwind weekdays, rushing from work, picking up the kids, and then facing the 'what's for dinner?' question. Honestly, it used to fill me with a tiny bit of dread. But then, my trusty crockpot entered the scene, and everything changed. I started experimenting, wanting that comforting, rich flavor without all the fuss. This recipe? It was a happy accident, a blend of wanting something creamy, something garlicky, and something that practically cooked itself. The first time I made it, the aroma filled the house, and when we sat down, there was this quiet moment of pure contentment. Even my youngest, who usually dissects her plate, just ate. No complaints, no 'yucky' faces. Just happy slurps. That's when I knew this one was a keeper. It's more than just a meal; it's a sigh of relief at the end of a long day.
Why You'll Love It
- •**Effortless Comfort** - Seriously, it's mostly hands-off. Your crockpot does all the heavy lifting.
- •**Flavor Explosion** - Rich garlic, savory Parmesan, and tender chicken create pure deliciousness.
- •**Weeknight Lifesaver** - Come home to dinner already practically made. No rush, no fuss!
- •**Kid-Friendly** - Even the pickiest eaters can't resist this creamy, cheesy pasta goodness.
My husband, bless his heart, is usually pretty vocal about his food. The first time he tried this, he just gave me this huge, satisfied grin, and said, 'Now *that's* what I call dinner!' He even bragged about it to his colleagues the next day. And my daughter, the one who typically views vegetables as optional decorative elements, actually asked for *more* of the creamy sauce with her chicken. Honestly, that's a win in my book, a testament to how truly comforting and delicious this dish is.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking. You want them to be perfectly tender, not dry.
- Garlic: Fresh is best, always. The aroma it brings is simply irreplaceable. Don't be shy with it!
- Parmesan cheese: Grate your own from a block, if you can. It melts so much better and tastes infinitely richer than pre-shredded.
Complete Cooking Process
- •Don't overcook the chicken - it should be fork-tender.
- •Add the pasta at the very end to prevent it from getting mushy.
- •Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference.
- •Whisk the cornstarch slurry well before adding to prevent lumps.
- •Don't skip the final stirring of cream and cheese; it brings everything together.
This is where the magic begins. Just a few minutes of chopping and gathering, then everything goes into the crockpot. Honestly, it's almost too easy.
Let your crockpot do its thing! Low and slow is the name of the game here, letting those flavors truly meld and the chicken become incredibly tender. The waiting is the hardest part, right?
The last step, and it's a quick one. Adding the pasta towards the end ensures it's al dente, soaking up all that creamy sauce without getting mushy. Timing is key here, hon.
Stir in that cream and extra Parmesan. This is where it goes from 'good' to 'oh-my-goodness-wow'. The richness it adds is just heavenly.
Dish it up! A sprinkle of fresh parsley, maybe a little more Parmesan. Watch everyone dig in. This is why we cook, isn't it?
You Must Know
I remember one time, I was so excited to add the pasta, I put it in too early. Oops! Ended up with a delicious sauce but sadly overcooked noodles. Live and learn, right? Now, I set a little timer for that last hour.
The Power of Garlic
Garlic in this recipe isn't just an ingredient; it's a character. It weaves through every bite, giving that comforting, savory warmth. Using fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that punchy, vibrant flavor. Honestly, I use a little extra because, well, why not? More garlic, more love, I always say.
Chicken Choices
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this because they cook up so tender and soak up all the deliciousness. But, if you have boneless, skinless chicken thighs on hand, they work beautifully too! They tend to stay even juicier. Just make sure to trim any excess fat.
Pasta Predicament
When it comes to the pasta, I usually reach for a medium-sized shape like penne, rotini, or even farfalle. They hold the sauce perfectly. The trick, though, is to add them towards the end of the cooking time, *after* the chicken is almost done. This way, they absorb the flavors but stay perfectly al dente, not mushy. Nobody wants mushy pasta, right?
The Creamy Finish
That final stir of cream and a generous handful of Parmesan? That's the moment this dish transforms. It goes from a hearty chicken dish to a truly luxurious, velvety pasta experience. The cream mellows everything, and the Parmesan adds that irresistible salty, nutty depth. It's the grand finale, and it's always a showstopper.
frequently Asked Questions
→How to cook the chicken perfectly?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until fork-tender. Don't overcook!
→What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or other medium-sized pasta shapes are great. Add them in the last 30-60 minutes.
→Can I use different cheeses?
While Parmesan is classic, a blend of Italian cheeses or even some mozzarella could work for extra gooeyness.
→How to prevent mushy pasta?
Add pasta only during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, depending on your crockpot and pasta type. Check for doneness frequently.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Recipe
Easy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, flavorful, and no-fuss! Try it tonight.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
4-6 Hours
Total Time
4-6 Hours
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Crockpot
- 011.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 024 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 036 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 041 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 051/2 tsp salt
- 061/4 tsp black pepper
- 078 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
For the Pasta & Finish
- 011 lb short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 021/2 cup heavy cream
- 031 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 042 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
- 05Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together gently to make sure everything is well mixed.
Add the cubed cream cheese right on top of the chicken mixture. Don't worry about stirring it in perfectly just yet; it'll melt beautifully as it cooks. Pop the lid on.
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork. Honestly, the house will smell divine!
About 30-60 minutes before serving (depending on your pasta's package directions and crockpot), stir in the dry pasta. Make sure it's submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, tender but still with a slight bite.
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir this into the crockpot. This will help thicken your sauce beautifully.
Stir everything well until the sauce is creamy and thickened. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Dish it out and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Enjoy this dreamy comfort food!
Notes & Tips
- 1Adjust garlic to your taste – I love a lot, but you do you!
- 2For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- 3This recipe is very forgiving, so don't stress too much!
- 4Make sure to stir the pasta well when you add it to prevent sticking.
Tools You'll Need
- •**Don't open the lid!** Every time you peek, your crockpot loses heat, extending the cooking time. Trust the process!
- •**Submerge the pasta:** Ensure all the pasta is covered in liquid when you add it, or it won't cook evenly.
- •**Fresh Parmesan is key:** Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.