garlic parmesan chicken pasta
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta made easy! This rich, flavorful dish is perfect for busy nights—simple, delicious, and ready in no time.
Ingredients
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Before we dive into cooking let’s gather everything you need for this rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Each ingredient plays a key role in building bold flavors and velvety texture, so don’t skip the essentials!
- For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- 4 cloves garlic minced – The star of the show, bringing deep, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect mix of herbs to elevate the dish’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional – A little heat balances the richness.
- 4 tablespoons butter melted – Helps create a smooth and silky sauce.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – The base for a luxurious creamy texture.
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened – Adds extra richness and thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – The key to that signature cheesy nutty flavor.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Infuses the chicken with moisture and enhances the sauce.
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or rotini – Choose your favorite; each works well for soaking up the sauce.
- Salt for boiling water – Essential for flavorful pasta.
- Optional Add-Ins & Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil – A pop of color and fresh aroma.
- Crispy bacon bits – Adds crunch and a smoky bite.
- Extra parmesan cheese – Because you can never have too much!
- Now that you’ve got everything ready let’s move on to the step-by-step process for making this irresistible dish in your crockpot!
Instructions
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Making this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a slow cooker is incredibly easy. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a rich, flavorful dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Let’s get started!
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts – Rub them with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker – Nestle it at the bottom so it can soak up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- Add the garlic and butter – Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken and drizzle with melted butter for a rich, garlicky base.
- Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream – This creates a flavorful, velvety cooking liquid.
- Add the cream cheese – Cut it into cubes and distribute evenly for easy melting.
- Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese – This is where the cheesy magic happens!
- Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours) – The chicken should be fork-tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the chicken – Use two forks to pull it apart right in the slow cooker, letting it absorb the creamy sauce.
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package instructions – Salt the water generously for extra flavor.
- Drain and add pasta to the slow cooker – Stir well to coat every piece in the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Step 5: Final Touches & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning – Add more parmesan, salt, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil – A fresh, vibrant finish to balance the richness.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp side salad, and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home!