Easy Dump & Forget! – besthomemaderecipes

Imagine a symphony of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness, all achieved with minimal effort. That’s precisely what you get with this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Dump & Forget Dinner! It’s the ultimate weeknight solution for anyone craving comfort food without the fuss.

Why This Crockpot Chicken Pasta is a Game Changer

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. This recipe eliminates that struggle. It’s designed for busy individuals and families who want a hearty, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: dump the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. When you return, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of garlic, parmesan, and perfectly cooked chicken.

The Allure of “Dump & Forget” Cooking

The “dump and forget” method is a lifesaver for anyone who juggles work, family, and other commitments. It eliminates the need for constant monitoring and stirring, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your dinner cooks itself. This is especially beneficial for those who work long hours or have young children to care for. The slow cooker works its magic, infusing the ingredients with flavor and tenderizing the chicken to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

The ingredient list for this recipe is straightforward and likely includes items you already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. They become incredibly tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
• Pasta: Penne, rotini, or farfalle work well. Choose your favorite short pasta shape. It’s important to add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that signature garlic parmesan flavor. Mince it finely for the best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the most authentic taste. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose, which can affect the texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base for the sauce and helps to keep the chicken moist.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient to making it extra creamy and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Dump & Forget Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps to create a Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that will impress your family and friends:

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
5. Add the Creaminess: Stir in the cream cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated. Then, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
6. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
7. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken Pasta

While this recipe is incredibly easy, here are a few tips and tricks to ensure the best possible results:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Adding the pasta too early will result in a mushy, unappetizing dish. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking time to add the pasta.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated parmesan will melt beautifully and add a richer flavor.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Add Vegetables: For a more nutritious and flavorful meal, consider adding vegetables such as broccoli florets, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
• Control the Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Variations and Adaptations to Suit Your Taste

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking for a burst of flavor.
• Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms in a pan with garlic and butter, then add them to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Culinary Creation

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate spread. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that complements the garlicky flavor of the pasta.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a nutritious and flavorful element to the meal.
• Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a simple and elegant side dish.

Making it a Meal Prep Marvel

This recipe is incredibly meal-prep friendly. You can easily prepare a large batch on the weekend and divide it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The pasta reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Other Delicious and Easy Crockpot Recipes to Try

If you love the convenience and flavor of slow cooker cooking, be sure to check out these other delicious and easy crockpot recipes:

For a tangy and crowd-pleasing option, try Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ. It’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or topping baked potatoes.

If you’re in the mood for something cozy and comforting, Creamy White Chicken Chili is a must-try. This slow cooker dump dinner is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort.

And for chicken lovers who prefer a crispy texture, give Crispy Crockpot Chicken Thighs a try. The secret to crispy skin is a quick broil in the oven after slow cooking.

If you like this recipe, you might enjoy the quick, stovetop version: Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta. It’s a one-pan 30-minute meal.

Another great chicken thigh recipe is Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. It’s a sweet and savory delight that the whole family will love.

And for another variation on chili, check out Crockpot White Chicken Chili, an easy and flavorful dump-and-forget dinner option.

Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
5. Stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Then, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes:

• To prevent sticking, spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and Italian seasoning to your taste.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion: Embrace the Ease of Crockpot Cooking

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution to the age-old question of “What’s for dinner?” Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a winner for busy weeknights, family gatherings, and everything in between. So, embrace the ease of “dump and forget” cooking and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal without the stress.

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