Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Delight

Name: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup chicken broth; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Hey there, pasta lover! If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably on a quest for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that practically makes itself. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Why crockpot, you ask? Because we’re busy, and multitasking is life. 😅

This dish combines juicy chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and tender pasta, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! Let’s dive into this convenient and flavorful dish that even a caveman could make!

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Why Choose a Crockpot?

Cooking Made Simple

Using a crockpot is like having your very own kitchen assistant. You toss in all the ingredients, set the timer, and go about your day. No standing over the stove, no constant stirring, and let’s be honest, no “what’s for dinner?” panic at the last minute.

Flavor Infusion, Anyone?

Ever wondered why the flavors seem to meld so perfectly in a crockpot? It’s science, folks! The low and slow method allows all those delicious ingredients to mingle and create a harmonic masterpiece that your taste buds won’t forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these everyday staples for your ultimate pasta experience:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is life)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work wonders)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but makes it look fancy 😁)

Look at that list; it’s all pretty much stuff you probably already have lurking in your pantry or fridge!

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, let’s get organized! Chop, mince, and measure everything out. It’ll save you time later and ensure the cooking process is smooth. Plus, no one likes a last-minute scramble where you’re elbow-deep in garlic!

Step 2: For Your Inner Picasso

In your trusty crockpot, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Season that chicken like you mean it! Then, layer the chicken broth, minced garlic, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning on top.

Pro Tip:

Give everything a little stir before closing the lid. It’s like a mini dance party for your ingredients! 💃🏼

Step 3: Hit the Start Button

Set your crockpot on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Now, go binge-watch that show everyone’s been talking about, take that long walk you’ve put off, or finally start that book you bought last year.

Step 4: The Pasta Party

When the chicken is cooking away, it’s time to think pasta. About 30 minutes before your chicken is ready, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it, but don’t rinse! You want that starchy goodness to cling to the sauce.

Step 5: Shred & Mix

Once your chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the crockpot—hello, fork technique! Now, add in your cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, and give everything a good stir. The cheese will melt into this creamy, dreamy sauce that’ll make you swoon!

Why Parmesan?

Parmesan adds a salty richness that balances beautifully with everything else. Seriously, where would we be without cheese?

Step 6: The Grand Finale

Let it cook for another 10 minutes on low. This is the time for the flavors to get all snuggly and familiar with each other. When it’s ready, serve, and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that Instagram-worthy presentation!

Serving Suggestions

Feeling fancy? Add a side salad or some crusty bread. 😍 Or just eat it straight from the bowl like I do. No judgment here; I promise!

Perfect Pairings

Salad: A simple Caesar salad complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
Bread: Garlic bread, of course! Because hello, garlic and pasta.
Wine: Pair it with a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, and you’ll be having your own restaurant night at home. 🍷

Storage: Leftover Magic

Let’s be real. This is a heaps-of-yum recipe, and you’ll probably have leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’re good for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently in a pan or the microwave when you’re ready to indulge in round two.

Freezing?

You can freeze the leftovers too! Just make sure to leave out the pasta. It tends to turn mushy after freezing. You can always cook fresh pasta when it’s time to reheat!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a simple Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s not just easy, but absolutely delicious. Imagine coming home after a long day to a meal that feels like a warm hug.

And let’s be honest: it’s perfect for impressing your friends or feeding your family without breaking a sweat. Wouldn’t you agree? Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) are just as good, making your future self very happy.

Now, go ahead and make this dish your new best friend. Or at least your new go-to for weeknight dinners. You won’t regret it! 😋

Happy cooking, and may the cheese be ever in your favor!