Are you looking for a dinner that’s super easy to make and tastes amazing? Look no further! Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and so delicious that your whole family will love it. Best of all, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. The crockpot does most of the work for you! In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to make this mouth-watering meal. You’ll also learn tips on how to make it even better and make it your own.
Why Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is a Favorite
Why do so many people love crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta? First, it’s super easy to make. You just throw everything into the crockpot, and a few hours later, dinner is ready! Second, it’s packed with flavor. The garlic and parmesan cheese make a delicious combination that’s hard to resist. Finally, it’s a comfort food that’s perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or anytime you want something warm and satisfying.
If you’re new to cooking with a crockpot, or if you want to make sure your chicken turns out tender and juicy, you can check out these tips on how to cook chicken perfectly in a crockpot. This guide will help you get the best results every time.
And when it comes to choosing the right parmesan cheese, you don’t want to cut corners . Using high-quality parmesan will make your pasta even more delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. These are easy to find at your local grocery store:
- -3 Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 4-5 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1 cup Heavy cream or 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1 ½ cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 8 oz Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite kind)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional veggies:2 cups Spinach, 1 cup Broccoli florets, or 1 cup Sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Now let’s get started with making this delicious dish. Follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will give your chicken a tasty seasoning as it cooks. It’s important to season the chicken well to ensure every bite is flavorful. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are leaner and cook more quickly.
2. Add the Flavor Base
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Then, add the minced garlic and drop in the butter. These ingredients will create a flavorful base that will soak into the chicken and pasta. The garlic will infuse the entire dish with its robust flavor, while the butter adds richness to the sauce. Be sure to spread the garlic evenly so that it mixes well with the chicken and broth. If you like a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
3. Cook It Slow and Steady
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for about 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy. During this time, the chicken will soak up all the flavors from the garlic, broth, and butter, making it incredibly tasty. If you’re in a rush, using the high setting will still yield a delicious result, but for the best flavor, the low setting is recommended.
4. Make It Creamy
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream or cream cheese. This is what makes your dish creamy and delicious. Add the parmesan cheese as well, and stir everything together. The cream or cream cheese will melt into the broth, creating a rich and velvety sauce that coats the chicken and pasta perfectly. Stirring in the cheese at the end ensures it doesn’t clump or separate, giving you a smooth and luxurious sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use cream cheese; for a lighter sauce, heavy cream is the way to go.
5. Finish with Pasta
While the crockpot is finishing up, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s done, drain it and stir it into the crockpot. Mix everything together well, and your dinner is ready to serve! It’s important to cook the pasta separately to avoid it becoming too soft or mushy in the crockpot. When adding the pasta to the crockpot, make sure it’s fully coated with the sauce for the best flavor. Stirring the pasta in at the end also helps to marry all the flavors together, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
How to Serve Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Now that your crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some ideas for sides and garnishes that will make your meal even more delicious:
- Garlic bread: Serve your pasta with some crispy garlic bread on the side. It’s the perfect match for this creamy dish.
- Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed veggies: You can also serve your pasta with some steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to add some extra nutrition to your meal.
These sides add a great contrast to the rich and creamy pasta, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top of the pasta before serving.
Customizing Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
One of the best things about crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is how easy it is to customize. You can change up the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Spicy version: If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your pasta.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to skip the chicken, you can add more veggies like mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Low-carb alternative: For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Extra veggies: You can also add some extra spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to make your dish even healthier and more filling.
Customizing the recipe not only makes it more exciting but also allows you to adapt it to different dietary preferences. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, to create a new flavor profile. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider doubling the recipe to ensure there’s plenty to go around.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good the next day:
- Storing in the fridge: Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before refrigerating to maintain its texture.
- Reheating with care: When reheating, add a little bit of chicken broth or cream to keep the dish creamy. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir the pasta occasionally while reheating to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
- Freezing for later: If you want to freeze your leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Your pasta will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above.
Reheating leftovers properly is key to maintaining the delicious flavors and creamy texture of the dish. If you find the sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration, adding a splash of broth or milk while reheating will help bring it back to the right consistency.
Nutritional Tips for a Healthier Dish
This dish is creamy and rich, but if you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, here are some simple changes you can make:
- Use light cream or milk: Swap out the heavy cream for light cream or whole milk to cut down on calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.
- Whole-grain pasta: Try using whole-grain pasta or gluten-free pasta for added fiber and nutrients. Whole-grain pasta provides a nutty flavor and a bit more texture, which pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Reduce the cheese: While parmesan cheese is a key ingredient, you can use a little less to reduce the fat content without losing too much flavor.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to increase the dish’s nutritional value without adding too many calories. Vegetables add bulk and nutrients, making the dish more filling and balanced.
Making small adjustments to the recipe allows you to enjoy this comfort food while keeping it healthier. You can also experiment with adding lean proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to boost the protein content. Another option is to use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese instead of full-fat varieties to reduce the overall fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of chicken should I use?
For this dish, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner. Both cuts work well in the crockpot, and the choice depends on your preference. Thighs tend to be more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them, while breasts are a bit leaner and cook more quickly.
2. Can I make this dish without a crockpot?
Yes! If you don’t have a crockpot, you can make this dish on the stove. Just follow the same steps, but cook it in a large pot or Dutch oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can also use an Instant Pot if you want to speed up the cooking process even more.
3. How can I make this dish keto-friendly?
To make this dish keto-friendly, simply replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can also use full-fat cream to keep it low-carb. These substitutions will lower the carb count while still allowing you to enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors of the dish.
4. How long does it take to cook garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a crockpot?
On low, this dish takes about 6-7 hours to cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. The key is to make sure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before serving. If you’re using thicker chicken breasts, you may need to add a bit more cooking time.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms is a great way to boost the nutrition of this dish. Just add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy. Vegetables not only add color and flavor but also make the dish more filling and nutritious.
6. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe, but you may need to add extra cooking time. It’s important to ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving. If you’re using frozen chicken, plan to add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to the cooking time, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
7. What other cheeses can I use?
While parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even gouda. Each cheese will bring a different flavor and texture to the dish. Mozzarella will make the dish creamier and stretchier, while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor. Gouda provides a smoky, rich taste that pairs well with the garlic.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To make sure your dish turns out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: If you’re cooking the pasta separately, make sure to undercook it slightly so it doesn’t get too soft or mushy when you mix it into the crockpot. Al dente pasta will hold up better when combined with the sauce, providing a nice texture contrast.
- Stir in the cream at the end: Adding the cream and cheese at the end of cooking ensures that the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. This step is crucial for achieving that velvety smooth sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Season to taste: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and cheese, you may need to add more or less seasoning. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
These tips will help you create a dish that’s not only delicious but also perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. If you’re hosting guests, consider serving the pasta in a large, beautiful serving bowl with extra parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.
Adding Your Own Twist to the Recipe
Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your taste. For a fun twist, try turning it into a casserole by transferring the mixture to a baking dish after cooking, topping it with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and baking until golden and crispy. This adds a delightful crunch and makes the dish even more comforting and family-friendly. Experimenting with different ingredients allows you to make the dish your own, keeping things interesting in the kitchen and ensuring it’s a hit whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends.
More Side Dish Ideas
Looking for more side dishes to serve with your crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta? Here are some ideas:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender. Roasted vegetables add a nice balance of flavors and a bit of crunch to the meal.
- Mashed potatoes: If you love comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes make a great side dish that will keep everyone full and happy. Mashed potatoes are especially good if you’re serving a larger group and want to offer a variety of textures and flavors.
These side dishes complement the pasta perfectly, making your meal more complete and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just a cozy night in, these sides will elevate your meal to the next level.
What to Do with Leftover Chicken
If you find yourself with leftover chicken, don’t worry! Here are a few tasty ways to use it up:
- Chicken sandwiches: Shred the leftover chicken and use it to make sandwiches with your favorite toppings. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo for a delicious lunch. You can also add avocado, or cheese to make the sandwich even more filling and flavorful.
- Chicken salad: Mix the chicken with some mayo, celery, onions, and seasoning for a tasty chicken salad. Serve it on bread, in a wrap, or over greens. Chicken salad is a great option for a quick and easy lunch that’s both light and satisfying.
- Chicken quesadillas: Use the chicken to make quesadillas with cheese, salsa, and tortillas for a quick and easy meal. Quesadillas are a fun way to repurpose leftovers and make them feel like a whole new meal. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo for extra flavor.
These ideas are simple yet delicious, and they make it easy to enjoy your leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice. Leftover chicken can be incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it!
Conclusion
Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is an easy, delicious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. By following the simple steps in this guide, you’ll be able to make a creamy, cheesy pasta that everyone will love. Plus, with all the tips and ideas for customization, you can make it your own. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to cook up a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!