Are you looking for a mouthwatering dinner that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all infused with the irresistible flavors of garlic and parmesan. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delectable meal in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is about to become your new favorite meal:
- Easy preparation: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy, flavorful pasta dish.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
- Budget-friendly: Using simple ingredients, this meal won’t break the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious chicken garlic parmesan pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb penne pasta (or your preferred shape)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3. Shred the Chicken and Cook the Pasta
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. Stir the chicken into the sauce to make sure it’s fully coated in that creamy parmesan goodness.
- While your chicken is cooking, boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside until the chicken is ready.
4. Add the Finishing Touches
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For perfectly delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Check it frequently after adding it to the crock pot to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily put your own spin on it. Here are some ideas:
- Add vegetables: Try mixing in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a less rich version.
Key Takeaways
- Crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- The slow cooker does most of the work, resulting in tender chicken and a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- You can customize this dish with your favorite pasta shapes and add-ins.
- Fresh ingredients like real garlic and freshly grated parmesan make a big difference in flavor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
While it’s generally safer to use thawed chicken in slow cooker recipes, you can use frozen chicken if you increase the cooking time by about 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and add the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How does this compare to Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
While Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a popular restaurant dish, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, making it at home is often more budget-friendly!
Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to use whatever pasta shape you prefer!. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta you choose.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to revive the sauce.
By following this recipe and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta that rivals any restaurant version. Enjoy your homemade, comforting meal!
Table: Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
Crock pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 10 ounces dry pasta cooked and drained
- parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
- Add the cream cheese and parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred the chicken before serving and stir it to mix into the sauce.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Stir to combine and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!