Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the sort of weeknight dinner that turns an ordinary evening into something utterly crave-worthy. Tender, juicy chicken gets slow-cooked in a lush, creamy sauce bursting with garlic and heaps of Parmesan, then gets tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you with a dish that feels special but couldn’t be easier. Whether it’s a busy night or you’re hosting friends, this rich, comforting pasta was made to impress — and it couldn’t be more delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly magical how just a handful of everyday ingredients can combine for such incredible flavor and creamy texture. Every item plays its part — don’t skip a thing, and you’ll taste the difference in every bite of this signature Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): The foundation of the dish, making it hearty and protein-packed (you want them juicy and mild so they take on all those garlicky flavors).
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and builds the savory base with classic garlic flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and balances the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses an herby, aromatic melody that takes the flavor up a notch.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): This is where the magic happens — super creamy, dreamy, and rich for the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Salty, nutty, and undeniably bold — Parmesan gives the dish its signature flavor and body.
- Cream cheese, cubed (8 oz block): The ultimate creamy booster, ensuring the sauce is velvety and smooth.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and adds a little savory depth.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): For those lovely pops of real garlic throughout the dish.
- Penne or rotini pasta, cooked (12 oz): Curly shapes are ideal for catching all that luscious sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Totally optional but a sprinkle brings fresh, bright color and a hint of herbiness.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Spices
Start by tucking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the bottom of the slow cooker. Take a moment to sprinkle them with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. This quick step ensures that every bite of chicken is seasoned all the way through from the start.
Step 2: Pack On the Creamy Goodness
Now, pour in the heavy cream, scatter over the grated Parmesan, add your cubed cream cheese for that ultra-luxurious texture, then drizzle in the chicken broth and spoon over the minced garlic. Layering these directly over the seasoned chicken means that, as everything slow cooks, the flavors will deeply meld and the sauce will come together rich and smooth.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your Crockpot to low and walk away for 4 to 5 hours (or speed things up with 2 to 3 hours on high, if you’re in a hurry). You’ll know it’s time when the chicken shreds easily and the aroma is impossibly tempting. The magic of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta really comes to life here, as the sauce thickens and envelopes the tender chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, carefully remove it and use two forks to shred it into tasty, bite-sized pieces. Return it right back to the slow cooker, stirring so every bit soaks up the creamy, garlicky sauce.
Step 5: Add the Pasta and Finish
Toss in your cooked penne or rotini pasta, mixing so each piece is perfectly coated in that dreamy sauce. Let everything sit in the warm Crockpot for about 5 to 10 minutes — this allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to mingle. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. Watch as it disappears quickly at the table!
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top of your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta adds a fresh pop of color and a gentle herby flavor. If you really want to impress, try an extra dusting of grated Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper to amp up the finish.
Side Dishes
A big green salad with a bright vinaigrette is a wonderful way to balance all the creamy richness. You can also serve this pasta with garlic bread, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even a simple tomato cucumber salad — all of which round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in individual pasta bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp, or nestle it inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a cozy, shareable meal. For a family gathering, keep it in the slow cooker on warm, buffet-style, so everyone can help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, making for dreamy lunches or quick future dinners.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze it, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. For best results, freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating — but leftovers can freeze well as-is for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently, and heat until steaming hot for the best, creamiest results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, adding even more juiciness and flavor. Just follow the same directions — the cooking time stays about the same.
What kind of pasta works best with this creamy sauce?
Penne and rotini are fantastic because their shapes hold onto all the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment! Shells, fusilli, or even fettuccine can be swapped in for a fun twist on the classic.
How do I make a lighter version of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk (plus a tablespoon of cornstarch) in place of the heavy cream. Light cream cheese also works, but keep in mind that the sauce will be slightly less rich, yet still wonderfully flavorful.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it?
Yes, it’s best to cook your pasta separately and stir it in at the end. This keeps the noodles from becoming too soft or mushy, ensuring perfect texture every time.
Can I add vegetables to this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli or spinach are popular add-ins — just toss them in when you add the pasta for a little color and nutrition boost. Peas or sun-dried tomatoes work too for extra flair.
Final Thoughts
Warm, creamy, and irresistibly garlicky, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the recipe you’ll want to keep at the top of your comfort food list. It’s the perfect cozy meal to share with family or savor with friends — and best of all, it’s simple enough for any night of the week. Give it a try, and prepare for seconds!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful meal with this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, served over pasta for a satisfying dinner that practically makes itself.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
For Serving:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken in the Crockpot, season with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred, and return to the Crockpot. Mix with the sauce.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta, mix well, and let sit to thicken. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use milk and cornstarch as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
- Enhance with steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
