This Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy delight! With tender chicken, rich garlic, and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for busy days when you want something special.
You simply throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work! I love pairing it with a side salad for a yummy meal—trust me, your family will ask for seconds! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to shred after cooking. If you prefer dark meat, you can use thighs instead, which add more flavor.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works perfectly too. If you’re low on broth, you can use water with a bit of seasoning. For a richer taste, swap in vegetable broth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder adds a mild taste.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce, but half-and-half or even plain yogurt can be lighter options. Just keep in mind it may change the creaminess a bit.
Pasta: I prefer cavatappi for its texture, but most small pasta shapes like rotini or penne work too. Gluten-free pasta works well if you’re on a gluten-free diet.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s a breeze if you follow these steps:
- Once cooked, let the chicken cool for a few minutes. This helps avoid burns.
- Use two forks, holding one with each hand. Pull them in opposite directions, and the chicken will easily break apart.
- Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer! Just mix on low speed for a few seconds to shred the chicken quickly.
Both methods give you fluffy shredded chicken that’s perfect for mixing back in with the pasta!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta in a Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot is straightforward, but you need to manage the timing:
- Add the uncooked pasta about 30 minutes before the end of cooking. This ensures it doesn’t get mushy.
- Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce. Stir gently to mix it in.
- Check for doneness; it should be al dente, perfect for blending with the sauce.
This method produces perfectly cooked pasta with all the great flavors from the sauce!
Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) uncooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni or cavatappi)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy meal will take you around 10 minutes for prep and then about 4-5 hours of cooking on low (or 2-3 hours on high). Add another 30 minutes at the end for the pasta cooking. So, total time is about 5-6 hours, but the actual hands-on time is quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the heart of your dish that gets deliciously tender as it cooks.
2. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken. These flavors will infuse the chicken beautifully while it cooks.
3. Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts. This will keep everything moist and full of flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and nice and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When it’s about 30 minutes before you plan to eat, take the chicken out of the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should be easy to pull apart after cooking!
6. Add the Pasta:
Stir the uncooked pasta into the remaining broth in the crockpot. Make sure the pasta is nicely mixed in to absorb that yummy flavor.
7. Return the Chicken:
Place the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, mixing it all together with the pasta and broth.
8. Add Cream and Cheese:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything well to combine and make it super creamy!
9. Cook the Pasta:
Cover and cook on high for about 25-30 minutes, occasionally giving it a gentle stir. This will cook the pasta until it’s tender and just right.
10. Taste and Adjust:
Taste your dish and see if it needs more salt or pepper. Adjust to your liking!
11. Serve:
Scoop the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta onto plates. It’s time to dig in!
12. Garnish:
If you want, sprinkle some fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for added flavor and a nice look.
13. Enjoy!
Serve your warm and delicious garlic Parmesan chicken pasta to family or friends, and enjoy every creamy bite!
This comforting dish combines tender slow-cooked chicken with creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, making it an easy and flavorful meal the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours if cooking on low, or by 30 minutes to an hour on high. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to help thicken the sauce slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding pasta, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just cook the pasta and continue from there!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream for extra moisture if needed.
