Looking for a comforting yet delicious dinner option that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this delightful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe is all about embracing flavors that blend beautifully together, resulting in a dish that’s loved by the whole family. Imagine tender chicken simmered slowly in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, perfectly absorbing all the delicious seasonings, and then tossed with your choice of pasta – what’s not to love?

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and hands-off preparation. Just season your chicken, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you go about your day. By the time you return, you’ll have a rich and creamy meal ready and waiting. The garlic, the Parmesan, and the warm hints of Italian herbs create a flavor explosion that surely makes it a family favorite.

Not only is this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a comfort food classic, but it’s also suitable for meal prepping or freezing for those busy weeknights. Each serving is rich in flavor yet low in fat, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. So let’s dive into the details of preparing this delectable dish!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep time with the magic of the slow cooker, making dinner a breeze.
Rich Flavors: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings creates a truly satisfying meal.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking and easy to reheat.
Low Fat: Enjoy a delicious meal without sacrificing health, making it perfect for those watching their diet.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, you’ll want to ensure your kitchen is ready for this culinary adventure. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process. For this recipe, you’ll need a slow cooker, a large pot, measuring cups and spoons, a mixing spoon, and a cutting board. A sharp knife will make it easier to chop or shred your chicken once it’s cooked.

Make sure to wash and clean all your vegetables and seasonings before commencing your preparation. Setting up your cooking area ahead of time helps prevent any unnecessary chaos in your kitchen and ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Ingredients

450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
2.5 g fine sea salt
2.5 g ground black pepper
5 g smoked paprika
5 g onion powder
5 g Italian herb seasoning blend
15 g minced garlic
Sufficient Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce to cover chicken (approximately 120 ml)
425 g Alfredo sauce (1 jar)
450 g dried Cellentani pasta or similar short pasta shape
25 g finely grated Parmesan cheese
100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Italian herb seasoning. This step is crucial as it imparts flavor into the chicken while it cooks. After seasoning, add the minced garlic and pour enough of the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken to thoroughly coat it.

Step 2: Add the Alfredo Sauce

Once the chicken is well coated with the garlic sauce, pour the Alfredo sauce over it. This rich sauce acts as the base for building a creamy consistency while locking in moisture for the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is well submerged in the sauces, which will create a luscious dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting and let it cook for approximately 4 hours. This gentle cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken can be easily shredded with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, as desired. This helps incorporate the chicken evenly with the pasta later. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, mixing it gently with the sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

While the chicken is finishing up in the slow cooker, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. As the water heats, this is a great time to cook your dried Cellentani pasta according to the package instructions. You’ll want to cook it until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. After draining the pasta, set it aside for the next step.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The heat from the pasta and the slow cooker will help to meld all these flavors together.

Step 7: Mix the Pasta

Finally, add your cooked pasta into the slow cooker, ensuring to mix thoroughly. Make sure each piece of pasta is coated with that delightful creamy sauce. For an extra pop of freshness, finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley before serving.

Variations

Protein: Swap chicken for turkey breast or even shrimp for a different protein option.
Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli or spinach for an extra nutritional punch.
Spices: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.

Cooking Notes

For the best flavor, do not skimp on the seasonings; they are key to an amazing dish.
You can slow cook this dish for up to 6 hours; just ensure the chicken stays moist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips

Feel free to play around with different types of pasta shapes based on your preference.
You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for later use.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
Protein: Approx. 35 g
Sodium: Approx. 850 mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to extend the cooking time to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any short pasta shape available, such as penne or rotini.

What should I do if my pasta is overcooked?

If your pasta is overcooked, it may become mushy, but it will still taste delicious! Try to cook it al dente next time for better texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, heating it up when ready to combine with the pasta.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a testament to the notion that wonderful meals can be both simple and satisfying. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish will impress all around the table. We encourage you to try out this recipe, experiment with your own variations, and share your experience in the comments below! Happy cooking!