Name: Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite); ½ cup heavy cream; chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish (Optional)

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a symphony of savory flavors that has captured the hearts and taste buds of home cooks everywhere. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta – it’s pure comfort food bliss! What makes this dish so incredibly beloved? It’s the effortless magic of the slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into something truly spectacular with minimal hands-on effort. We all crave those weeknight meals that feel decadent yet are surprisingly easy to prepare, and this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers on all fronts. The rich, decadent sauce, infused with the pungent aroma of garlic and the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan, coats every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken, creating a harmonious blend that is utterly irresistible. Get ready to discover why this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 tbsp minced garlic
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
To taste chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish (Optional)

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Preparation

Preparing the Chicken

The first step to creating our delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is to prepare the chicken. You’ll want to start with 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend trimming any excess fat from the chicken. Then, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the seasonings adhere better. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Once seasoned, place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker insert. This forms the base of our flavorful pasta dish.

Building the Creamy Sauce Base

Now, let’s move on to creating the luscious sauce that will coat our pasta and chicken. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. The broth will help to keep the chicken incredibly moist and tender as it cooks, and it will also form the liquid base for our creamy sauce. Next, add the 1 tablespoon of minced garlic directly into the slow cooker. The heat from the slow cooker will gently cook the garlic, releasing its potent aroma and flavor into the broth. You’ll notice the kitchen begin extractning to smell amazing at this point! Finally, add the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Don’t worry if it looks a little clumpy at first; it will melt and incorporate beautifully as everything cooks. Stir gently to combine the broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, making sure the cheese is somewhat submerged in the liquid.

Slow Cooking for Tender Chicken

With the chicken and sauce base prepared, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your slow cooker. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and tender enough to be easily shredded or cut with a fork. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases precious heat and can lengthen the cooking time. The aroma that fills your home during this stage is truly irresistible and a promise of the delicious meal to come.

Finishing the Creamy Sauce and Adding Pasta

Once the chicken is cooked and tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. You can either shred the chicken using two forks or dice it into bite-sized pieces, whichever you prefer. While the chicken is resting, it’s time to elevate our sauce. Add the 1 package (8 oz) of cubed and softened cream cheese to the slow cooker with the broth and Parmesan mixture. Stir this into the hot liquid until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated, creating a wonderfully rich and creamy sauce. Then, stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. This addition will further enhance the creaminess and luxurious texture of our sauce, making it absolutely divine. Return the shredded or diced chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the luscious sauce.

Cooking the Pasta and Combining Everything

While the chicken is finishing in the sauce, it’s time to cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 12 oz of pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape) and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it, which is ideal for pasta dishes that will be mixed with sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well. Carefully add the drained pasta directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently stir everything together, ensuring that every piece of pasta and chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. The heat from the sauce will continue to cook the pasta slightly, allowing it to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Serving Your Crockpot Masterpiece

Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is now ready to be served! Ladle generous portions of this creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish into bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. This optional garnish really elevates the presentation and adds a bright counterpoint to the rich flavors. This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce. Enjoy the fruits of your slow cooker’s labor – a comforting and delicious meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Conclusion:

There you have it! Your journey to a delicious and comforting bowl of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is complete. This recipe is a true weeknight warrior, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker works its magic, tenderizing the chicken to perfection while infusing the creamy garlic parmesan sauce with all its savory goodness. The pasta soaks up all those wonderful flavors, making every bite a delight.

For serving, I love to garnish this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition! It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Feel free to add some steamed broccoli florets or spinach to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added vegetables. You could also swap out the chicken for Italian sausage or even plant-based chicken alternatives.

I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this delightful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! While I’ve found penne or rotini work wonderfully as they hold the sauce well, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Elbow macaroni, farfalle, or even spaghetti would be delicious. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then toss it with the cooked chicken and sauce.

Q: How can I make the sauce for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even creamier?

To achieve an extra creamy sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and then stir that into the crockpot to thicken and enrich the sauce.