Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a one-pot dish made with boneless chicken breasts, cream cheese, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and your favorite pasta. The chicken cooks low and slow in the crockpot until it’s juicy and tender, then it’s mixed with a creamy sauce and cooked pasta to create a rich, satisfying meal.
Not only does this dish require minimal prep time, but it also combines tender, shredded chicken with a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that’s irresistibly delicious. Paired with pasta, it’s a one-pot wonder that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this meal perfect every time!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Dish
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhance the flavor significantly. Avoid pre-minced garlic or shelf-stable grated Parmesan if possible.
- Cream Cheese at Room Temperature: For a smoother sauce, let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before adding it to the crockpot.
- Shred the Chicken Easily: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding.
- Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid overcooked or mushy pasta, cook it separately on the stovetop, then mix it into the sauce just before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Switch the Protein: Swap the chicken with turkey or even shrimp for a delightful twist.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta to make it keto-friendly.
How to Serve
- As a Main Dish: Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta as-is for a satisfying, standalone meal.
- Pair with a Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or a side of roasted vegetables complements the richness of the pasta beautifully.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or even more Parmesan for added depth.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and may even be more tender and flavorful in this dish.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bow-tie work best as they hold the sauce well. However, you can use spaghetti or fettuccine if preferred.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan substitutes to create a lactose-free version of this dish.
4. Is it okay to cook the pasta in the crockpot?
While it’s possible, pasta tends to overcook and become mushy in the crockpot. Cooking it separately is recommended for the best texture.
5. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook and mix in the pasta just before serving.
Why Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a Must-Try
This dish hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. With its minimal prep time and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s a great way to use your crockpot to create something that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a one-pot dish made with boneless chicken breasts, cream cheese, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 12 oz bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce (like Buffalo Wild Wings sauce)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup milk (2% or whole works best)
- 16 oz box of rotini pasta
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray and add chicken, garlic Parmesan sauce, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese.
- Shake & Pour: Fill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake to get the remaining sauce, and pour it into the crockpot.
- Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks or an electric hand mixer to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Mix everything together for a creamy consistency.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, prepare the rotini according to package instructions. Drain but don’t rinse.
- Combine & Adjust: Stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot mixture. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water, milk, or chicken broth a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 270Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 64mgSodium 307mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 22g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Closing Thoughts
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a recipe that will become a staple in your meal rotation. Its creamy texture, bold garlic flavor, and ease of preparation make it an unforgettable dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments below!
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