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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and effortless one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, fresh garlic, rich Parmesan cheese, and sturdy pasta slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, it combines simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and incredible flavors in a convenient crockpot dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 ounces sturdy pasta such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 34 fresh garlic cloves, minced

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 to cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic to release their fresh flavors. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor melding.
  2. Layer in the Crockpot: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the crockpot, then add chopped onions, minced garlic, pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top. Layering helps the flavors distribute evenly during cooking.
  3. Pour the Cream and Add Parmesan: Pour the heavy cream or half-and-half evenly over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top; it will melt into a creamy sauce as it cooks.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow heat tenderizes the chicken and allows the pasta to absorb the delicious flavors without turning mushy.
  5. Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the mixture a good stir to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

  • Use sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to prevent mushiness during slow cooking.
  • For firmer pasta, cook the chicken and sauce first, add pasta during the last 30 minutes, then continue cooking.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
  • Do not overcook pasta to maintain texture; monitor cooking times closely.
  • Add fresh herbs such as parsley or basil at the end to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker dinner, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight meal