Craving a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Crock-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is your answer! This easy, one-pot wonder delivers tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce – all with minimal cleanup. Prepare to impress your family with this delicious and convenient dish.
What Makes This Crock-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Unique?
This recipe transcends the typical "dump and go" crock-pot meal. We've focused on building layers of flavor, ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly without becoming mushy, and creating a rich, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to each strand. The result? A restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce (marinara or arrabbiata work well)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for browning (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Optional Browning: For extra flavor, lightly brown the chicken pieces in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't essential, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the browned (or un-browned) chicken, minced garlic, pasta sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Add Pasta: Gently stir in the pasta. Make sure it's mostly submerged in the liquid.
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Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
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Stir in Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with various pasta shapes, including penne, rotini, farfalle, and even shells. Just ensure the pasta is designed for saucy dishes. Avoid very long or delicate pasta types which might break in the slow cooker.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the last hour of cooking. Adding them earlier may cause them to become overcooked.
What if my pasta is still too firm after cooking?
If your pasta is still too firm after the recommended cooking time, add a little more chicken broth or water to the slow cooker and continue cooking on low for another 30-60 minutes. Check frequently to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this recipe is best served immediately, you can assemble it in the slow cooker in the morning and cook it on low throughout the day. However, it is not recommended to store the cooked pasta in the slow cooker for extended periods.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use light cream or even substitute with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option. You can also increase the vegetable content and reduce the amount of pasta sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overfill the slow cooker: Leave some space at the top to allow for proper cooking and to prevent spills.
- Stir halfway through: Stirring halfway through the cooking process helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model. Check the pasta for doneness before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more garlic, Parmesan cheese, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
This Crock-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It's a simple, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy a delicious weeknight meal with minimal effort. Enjoy!
