If you’re on a quest for a delightful, comforting meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious, you’ve just found a gem with Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with well-seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, making every bite a cozy hug in culinary form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss the ingredients in your crock pot and let it do all the work for you.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Everyone loves the classic combination of garlic, parmesan, and chicken, making it a sure hit at dinner time.
- Customizable Comfort: This recipe is easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs, making it versatile enough for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a creamy, savory symphony that sings with every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic in your kitchen:
- 12 oz bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce: This provides the primary flavor, so choose your favorite brand for the best result.
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein that becomes juicy and tender as it cooks.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Adds a rich creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Introduces a subtle sweetness and enhances the aromatic profile.
- 1 cup milk: Helps create a silky sauce texture.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: For an added depth of cheesy goodness.
- 16 oz box rotini pasta: Its curves and spirals hold the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- Garnish parsley, red pepper flake: Fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, red pepper for a hint of heat.
Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own! The Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delicious as is, but here are some ideas to tailor it to your preferences:
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or zucchini to create a veggie-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy their meals with a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sauce and spices are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
First, add those tender chicken breasts, cream cheese, chopped onion, garlic parmesan wing sauce, and milk into your dependable crock pot. You don’t even have to mix them yet—simplicity at its finest.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic on low heat for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. The chicken should be perfectly tender and easy to shred with a fork.
Step 3: Shred and Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked, remove it, and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and fold the sauce over until nicely blended.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
As the chicken rests, cook your rotini pasta according to its package instructions until it’s wonderfully al dente. Then, drain it and add it to the crock pot, mixing well to ensure everything is deliciously coated.
Step 5: Final Touches
Finally, mix in some freshly grated parmesan cheese, cover again, and let it cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes. This gives the pasta time to soak up all those luscious flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cheese Selection: When adding parmesan, opt for freshly grated cheese over pre-shredded for a creamier texture.
- Watch the Heat: Cooking on low helps maintain the chicken’s moisture, preventing it from drying out.
- Herb Enhancements: Toss in some fresh basil or thyme for added complexity and freshness.
- Timing is Everything: Add pasta just before serving to avoid it becoming too soft.
How to Serve Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over your pasta to add a burst of color and a hint of freshness, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick, perfect for spicing things up without overpowering the dish’s comforting essence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs fabulously with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The contrast in textures and the brightness of the veggies beautifully complement the rich, creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For that restaurant-quality touch, serve your Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls. World-class Yet practical, the presentation with a sprinkle of parmesan and artful parsley leaves will delight both eyes and tastebuds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, your pasta stays fresh for up to three days, ready to be reheated for a quick, comforting meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. Just be mindful that the cream sauce might alter slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if needed to bring back the creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While parmesan truly shines in this dish, you can try using asiago or a cheddar blend for a different flavor profile.
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What’s the recommended pasta alternative?
If you’re looking to change things up, penne or fusilli are fantastic alternatives that hold that creamy sauce wonderfully.
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Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to combining the pasta. Store it, then add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.
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How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly, or once cooked, simmer the sauce on the stove to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all you need to create this delightful Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I encourage you to put on your apron and invite that delicious aroma into your kitchen. It’s a meal filled with love, warmth, and flavor that’s just waiting to bring smiles around your dinner table.
PrintCrock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta cooked effortlessly in a crock pot. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful garlic parmesan wing sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, topped with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Ideal for a quick family dinner or meal prep, it offers rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 12 oz bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
- 16 oz box rotini pasta
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all ingredients. No initial preparation is needed beyond chopping the onion.
- Combine in crock pot: Add chicken breasts, cream cheese, chopped onion, garlic parmesan wing sauce, and milk into the crock pot. Mix is not necessary at this stage.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove cooked chicken from the crock pot, shred it with two forks, then return to the crock pot and fold in the sauce.
- Cook pasta: While the chicken cooks, prepare the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Final simmer: Cover and cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir in parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with tenders or thighs for more flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a thicker sauce, add more cream cheese or let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 230g)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg