The Creamiest Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Storytelling Intro

As a busy mom of two, I’m always on the lookout for easy, comforting meals that the whole family will love. That’s why The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a staple in my household. This dish is the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and hearty pasta – all made with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

I first discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was craving a comforting pasta dish but didn’t have the time or energy to stand over the stove. I threw all the ingredients into my trusty crockpot and let it work its magic while I tackled the rest of my to-do list. The aroma that filled my kitchen as it simmered was absolutely mouthwatering, and when I finally got to dive in, I knew I had a new family favorite on my hands. Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest to see more of my favorite easy, delicious recipes!

Why This Recipe Works

What I love most about this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how incredibly simple and hands-off it is to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it – no constant stirring or babysitting required. The chicken becomes so tender that it practically falls apart, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s sure to have your family coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Dried pasta (I like to use penne or farfalle)
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Diana’s Tip: For the best texture, I recommend using full-fat cream of chicken soup. The extra creaminess really makes a difference in the final sauce!

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

One of the great things about this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some tasty ways you can customize it:

• Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or diced bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano would be a flavorful garnish.
• Cheese: For an extra cheesy twist, try topping it with mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
• Spice: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Add the chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, garlic, parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning to your crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Diana’s Tip: For the best texture, I like to shred the chicken with two forks once it’s cooked through. This helps it blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add it to the crockpot, stirring to combine with the chicken and sauce.
5. Let the pasta and chicken mixture heat through for the remaining 30 minutes, then serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes people make with this recipe is overcooking the chicken. When you let it cook for too long, the chicken can become dry and tough. To avoid this, I recommend checking it after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. As soon as the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds, it’s ready to go.

Another potential pitfall is using the wrong type of pasta. I find that shorter, chunkier shapes like penne or farfalle work best, as they can really soak up all that delicious garlic parmesan sauce. Avoid long, thin pastas like spaghetti or linguine, as they tend to get lost in the mix.

My Tested Substitutions

While this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few ingredient swaps you can make if needed:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well as breasts in this recipe.
• Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are both great options if you have dietary restrictions.
• Dairy: For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based cream of chicken soup and vegan parmesan cheese.

How to Customize This Recipe

As I mentioned, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:

• Portion Size: The recipe as written serves 6-8 people, but you can easily scale it up or down to feed a crowd or just your family.
• Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free or dairy-free version, simply swap in the appropriate ingredients.
• Flavors: Try adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables to change up the flavor profile.

Serving Ideas

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that works perfectly for so many occasions. I love serving it for a cozy family dinner, but it’s also great for potlucks, game days, or even as a make-ahead lunch. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Meal Prep & Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up for meal prep and leftovers. The chicken and pasta will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely, then portion it out into airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutritional Breakdown

Per serving (based on 6 servings), this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a try! It’s the ultimate cozy, comforting meal that’s so easy to make, yet tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas. Enjoy!