This Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken is super easy with just four ingredients! You’ll get juicy chicken covered in a yummy garlic and Parmesan sauce that everyone will love.
It’s the perfect meal for busy days. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook while you relax—talk about a win-win! 😄 I like to serve it with some pasta or on a bed of rice for a simple dinner.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey breasts. For a juicier outcome, thighs can be a great substitute too!
Garlic Parmesan Pasta Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but you can make your own by blending garlic, cream, and Parmesan. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a coconut cream-based sauce or a dairy-free garlic sauce. Both options still deliver great flavor.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead. For a richer flavor, you can also try low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
Penne Pasta: Penne is perfect for this dish, but if you have it, other shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta can work just as well. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking for alternatives, Romano cheese can provide a similar taste. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free option if you want that cheesy flavor without cheese.
How Do You Ensure the Pasta Cooks Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can seem tricky, but it’s a simple process! The key is to add it at the right time and ensure there’s enough liquid. Here’s how to do it:
- After the chicken has cooked for about 5-6 hours on low, that’s when you add your uncooked penne.
- Stir the pasta into the sauce and chicken combination, which helps to distribute the heat.
- If the mixture seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken broth to ensure the pasta has enough liquid to absorb.
- Let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
Following these tips will have you serving perfectly cooked pasta that complements your chicken dish beautifully!
4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup garlic parmesan pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup penne pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 6-7 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high). You’ll be hands-off for most of the cooking, just letting the crockpot do its magic while your kitchen fills with delicious aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly so they cook well.
2. Add the Sauces
Next, pour the garlic parmesan pasta sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. This will keep your chicken juicy and flavorful!
3. Cook the Chicken
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.
4. Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Make sure it’s mixed well with the sauce. If it looks too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to help the pasta cook properly.
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the pasta is tender (after about 20-30 minutes), shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Give everything a good stir to combine the chicken and pasta with the sauce.
6. Melt in the Cheese
Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy. This adds a rich flavor to your dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious garlic parm chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy with a smile!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low or 30 minutes on high. Make sure to cut the chicken into smaller pieces if possible for more even cooking. Always check that it’s cooked through to 165°F (75°C) before serving!
What If I Don’t Have Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of plain pasta sauce with 2-3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, any creamy pasta sauce will work in a pinch!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before. Just layer the chicken, sauce, and broth in the crockpot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, set it to cook, and add the pasta during the last 30 minutes as directed!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy!
