Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey of flavor with this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish combines tender, shredded chicken with rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and al dente pasta. The slow-cooking process allows the garlic and herbs to permeate the chicken, creating a truly comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive into the scrumptious details!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they’re well-spread.
- Season the chicken generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors.
- Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, allowing it to soak in the flavors.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily!
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, bringing it back into the cozy sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the mixture, making sure to stir well until the pasta is fully submerged.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed all those lovely flavors.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch and lovely color.
Notes or Tips
For a little extra flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Don’t forget to adjust your cooking time if you choose a different type of pasta!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe makes great use of the crockpot, which allows for hands-off cooking. It’s the secret to tender, flavorful chicken and pasta that cooks perfectly without any fuss. Shredding the chicken after cooking ensures it absorbs all those creamy, garlicky flavors. Remember to stir well after adding the pasta to help prevent sticking.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by an hour on low.
- What type of pasta works best? Penne and rotini are great choices as they hold onto the sauce well. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
- Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and the Parmesan with a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Your home will be filled with wonderful aromas as this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta cooks away. It’s a dish that promises comfort and satisfaction, making it a perfect choice for both family and friends. Serve it with a side salad or some warm bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!