Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that simplifies dinner prep while delivering rich flavors that your family will love. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy garlic parmesan sauce and tender chicken, this dish stands out as an easy crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just dump the ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic.
• Delicious Flavor: The garlic parmesan sauce adds a savory richness that enhances the chicken and pasta.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults enjoy this comforting meal, making it great for family dinners.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize with different seasonings or add-ins like vegetables.
• Leftover Friendly: The dish keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Colander
• Electric hand mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: The star of the show! It cooks the chicken slowly, infusing it with flavor while keeping it tender.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta without losing any of that delicious flavor.
• Electric Hand Mixer: Helps shred the chicken effortlessly right in the crockpot, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 bottle (12 ounces) parmesan garlic sauce
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (2% or whole milk is best)

For the Pasta

• 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

• Spray the insert of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

• Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot.
• Pour in the parmesan garlic sauce, followed by adding grated parmesan cheese and cream cheese.

Step 3: Add Milk

• Fill the empty parmesan garlic sauce bottle with milk and shake well to mix any remaining sauce.
• Pour this mixture over the other ingredients in the crockpot.

Step 4: Cook

• Cover with a lid and cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

• Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or an electric hand mixer for ease.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

• While chicken is cooking, prepare your rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain but do not rinse.

Step 7: Combine

• Stir in the drained pasta into the chicken mixture in the crockpot until well combined.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

• If too thick, reserve some pasta water and add gradually until desired consistency is reached. You can also substitute with additional milk or broth if needed.

Final Step: Serve

• Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to consider.

Pair with a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese complements the rich flavors of the pasta.
• Greek Salad – Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta add a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread – Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter offers a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread – For an extra indulgence, top your garlic bread with melted mozzarella or cheddar cheese.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Oven-Roasted Broccoli – Lightly seasoned broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Asparagus – Tender asparagus spears roasted until golden provide a fresh taste that complements the dish perfectly.

Offer a Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Basil Leaves – Fresh basil leaves offer an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients – High-quality parmesan garlic sauce and fresh chicken will elevate the dish’s flavor.
• Adjust Cooking Time – Monitor your crockpot; cooking times may vary based on the model. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Shred Chicken Thoroughly – For a better texture, shred chicken into small pieces using two forks or an electric mixer right in the crockpot.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Keep some pasta water handy to adjust consistency if needed after mixing in pasta; it helps achieve your desired creaminess.
• Experiment with Seasoning – Feel free to add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for added flavor without overpowering the garlic taste.
• Store Leftovers Properly – Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are easy to prepare and pair well with any pasta dish.
2. Steamed Green Beans – Simple steamed green beans bring freshness and crunch, balancing the rich flavors of the main dish.
3. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and flavorful complement.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter is an easy summer addition that everyone loves.
5. Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini adds freshness and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out delicious every time.

• Skipping the Cooking Spray – Failing to spray the crockpot insert can lead to sticking and messy clean-up. Always use nonstick cooking spray before adding ingredients.
• Not Shredding the Chicken Properly – If you don’t shred the chicken well, it may not mix evenly with the pasta. Use two forks or an electric mixer for perfect shreds.
• Ignoring Pasta Cooking Time – Overcooking or undercooking the pasta can affect the final dish. Follow package instructions closely for best results.
• Using Wrong Cheese Type – Using large shreds of parmesan instead of finer grated cheese can affect consistency. Opt for finely grated parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Neglecting to Adjust Consistency – If the dish is too thick, you might not enjoy it. Reserve some pasta water or add broth to adjust the texture as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Portion out servings for easy thawing and reheating.

Reheating Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot.
• Stovetop – Reheat on medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made with chicken, garlic parmesan sauce, and pasta. It’s cooked slowly in a crockpot for convenience.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or even use different pasta shapes based on your preference.

How do I make it spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture before cooking. This will give your dish an extra kick!

What can I serve with this pasta?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal experience.

How long does it take to cook?

Depending on your setting, it takes about 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat in the crockpot.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any family dinner. The creamy sauce and tender chicken blend perfectly with pasta, making it a hit with everyone. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste!