Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver! There’s something just magical about tossing everything into the crockpot and letting it work its wonders while you go about your day. The aroma of garlic wafting through the house is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! When it’s finally time to eat, you’re met with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that brings it all together. Trust me, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness that will have your family begging for seconds. Plus, it’s such an easy way to make a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciousness happen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is! You’ll want to start by preheating your crockpot to ensure everything cooks evenly. Now, let’s break it down step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, place the chicken breasts right into your crockpot. Make sure they’re nestled in there nicely.
- Next, add those minced garlic cloves. Honestly, the more garlic, the better, but you do you!
- Pour in the chicken broth, which will keep everything nice and moist while cooking. It’s magic, trust me!
- Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours. This is where the wait really pays off. You can go tackle that laundry or binge-watch your favorite show!
- After the 6 hours are up, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart beautifully!
- In the same crockpot, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until it’s all melty and creamy. Oh wow, the smell is heavenly!
- Now, add the shredded chicken back into the sauce and give it a good mix to coat all those pieces.
- While that’s mingling, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t overdo it!
- Finally, combine the pasta with the chicken and creamy sauce in the crockpot, mixing everything together. Serve it up hot and garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color!
And there you have it! A beautiful, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot meal that saves you from extra dishes—yay for easy cleanup!
- The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is simply irresistible and packs a flavor punch.
- Perfectly tender chicken makes every bite a delight, and it’s so versatile!
- Quick prep time means you can get it going in just 15 minutes.
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters around the dinner table.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and reheat for a cozy dinner anytime!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta turns out just perfect! First off, don’t be shy with the garlic—if you love that punchy flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Also, if you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk; just be mindful of the thickness.
Timing is key here, so make sure your chicken cooks for the full 6 hours on low; this guarantees it’s tender and easy to shred. If you’re in a rush, you can cook on high for about 3-4 hours, but I promise, patience pays off! Lastly, remember to taste the sauce before serving—add salt and pepper as needed to make those flavors pop. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate. For each serving of this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
It’s a hearty meal that packs a lot of flavor and satisfaction, perfect for a cozy dinner!
FAQ Section
How can I store leftovers?
If you’ve got any delicious crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta left over (which is rare, trust me!), just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up since it can thicken a bit in the fridge. Yum!
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can use any pasta you have on hand, whether it’s penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if that’s your jam. Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions before mixing it in with the chicken and sauce. It’s all about what you love!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, my crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta can easily be made gluten-free! Just swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety—there are so many great options out there now. Also, double-check your chicken broth and parmesan cheese labels to ensure they’re gluten-free. It’s a comforting dish everyone can enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have your delicious crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a complete meal! I love pairing it with a simple side salad—think fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the pasta. Garlic bread is another fantastic option; it’s perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce!
If you’re in the mood for something warm, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans add a lovely crunch and color to your plate. And don’t forget a nice glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge to refresh your palate. Enjoy!
Print
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Cozy Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and parmesan cheese served over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add minced garlic and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred it.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan into the crockpot.
- Add shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Combine pasta with the chicken and sauce.
- Serve and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Adjust garlic based on your preference.
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta