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To make this tasty dish, you need some key items: - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 8 oz. uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works best) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in the flavor and texture of the dish. The chicken gives protein, while the garlic adds a rich taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Parmesan adds a salty kick that ties it all together. You can elevate the dish with some extras: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for brightness - Extra herbs like basil or oregano These seasonings can add depth and personal flair. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings warmth. Lemon zest can brighten the flavors. You can easily swap items to fit your needs: - Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. - Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free option. - Choose gluten-free pasta if you need to avoid gluten. These substitutions help make the meal fit different diets. It allows everyone to enjoy this comforting dish without missing out! Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This will help them cook evenly. Next, chop the garlic and sprinkle it over the chicken. Garlic adds a rich flavor. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. These liquids keep the chicken moist and create a creamy sauce. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged. After that, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will enhance the taste of the dish. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked by then. Once the time is up, shred the chicken using two forks right in the crockpot. It will mix well with the sauce. Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends perfectly. The cheese gives a nice, cheesy flavor to the dish. Add the uncooked pasta to the crockpot. Mix it well so the pasta gets coated with the sauce. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This will cook the pasta until it is al dente. Once it is done, give it another good stir. Check the seasoning and adjust if needed. For serving, use deep bowls and top with more Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This adds color and a fresh taste to each serving. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the best flavor in your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, focus on fresh ingredients. Use fresh garlic instead of jarred. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that really shines in this dish. Also, choose a good quality Parmesan cheese. It melts better and adds depth. Don’t rush the cooking time. Low and slow cooking brings out all the flavors from the chicken and spices. One common mistake is adding too much liquid. The cream and broth should cover the chicken, but not drown it. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Salt and pepper are key. Taste your dish before serving and adjust if needed. Lastly, avoid overcooking the pasta. It can turn mushy. Adding it later in the cooking process helps keep it firm. Timing is crucial for perfect pasta texture. Add the uncooked pasta 30 minutes before serving. This way, it cooks in the sauce but still stays al dente. If you cook it too long, it can become too soft. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness as you go. Stirring the pasta helps it cook evenly and soak up the sauce. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or chickpeas. Use 1.5 lbs of mushrooms, like portobellos or button mushrooms, for a rich taste. If you want protein, chickpeas are great. Use 2 cans of drained chickpeas instead. Keep the garlic and cream for flavor. This will keep your dish creamy and tasty. For a low-carb meal, skip the pasta. Instead, use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. These veggies soak up the sauce well. You can also add more chicken or cheese for protein. This change keeps the meal filling without the carbs. You can use different pasta shapes to change things up. Penne and rotini are great, but try fusilli or farfalle for fun. Each shape holds sauce differently, adding variety to your dish. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. After you enjoy your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, let it cool. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it covered to avoid drying out. If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to reheat later. To freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label your containers with the date. You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, use low heat on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently to mix the flavors back together. If using the microwave, cover the container but leave a small gap for steam to escape. This helps avoid soggy pasta. Enjoy your tasty meal just like it was fresh! You should cook chicken in a crockpot for about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. This time ensures the chicken becomes tender and easily shreds. Cooking it too long may dry it out. Always check if the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. I find that using a meat thermometer helps a lot! Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. However, be aware that it may take longer to cook. If you choose this option, add an extra hour on high or two hours on low. Make sure the chicken cooks completely. I suggest checking the internal temperature to ensure safety. Cooking from frozen can also keep the chicken juicy. You can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread: It pairs well and soaks up the rich sauce. - Side salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans work great for color and nutrients. - Roasted potatoes: They add a hearty touch to the meal. Feel free to mix and match these sides to create your perfect meal! You learned about the key ingredients and steps for making Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. We explored tips for great flavor and avoided common mistakes. You saw how to adapt the dish for different diets and filled it with options. In conclusion, this recipe is fun and easy for anyone. Enjoy your cooking and share your tasty results!

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe! In just a few simple steps, you can create a creamy, mouthwatering dish that your whole family will love. With tender chicken, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is sure to impress. Click through to explore the step-by-step instructions and make this delicious recipe your new go-to!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz. uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.

    Add minced garlic on top of the chicken.

      Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring the chicken is submerged.

        Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.

          Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.

            After cooking, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.

              Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined nicely with the sauce.

                Add the uncooked pasta to the crockpot, mixing well until it's evenly distributed in the sauce.

                  Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.

                    Once done, stir again to combine and check the seasoning, adjusting if needed.

                      Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch.