Get ready for a creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible pasta dish that practically cooks itself! This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food—rich, flavorful, and so easy to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and come back to a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend dinner.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, affordable ingredients that pack a ton of flavor.
Quick and Easy
Minimal prep, and the crockpot does all the hard work for you!
Customizable
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Crowd-Pleasing
Creamy, garlicky, and packed with Parmesan—this dish is a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish comes together with a handful of pantry staples, but the result is next-level delicious.
Chicken Breasts: Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor after slow cooking.
Garlic: The key to that rich, savory taste. Fresh garlic is best!
Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce extra creamy and indulgent.
Heavy Cream: The base of the luscious Parmesan sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that signature nutty, cheesy goodness.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist and helps create the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to boost the flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To enhance all the ingredients.
Pasta: Penne or fettuccine works best, but any pasta will do.
Butter: Adds extra richness and a silky texture.
Instructions
Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, then dot the cream cheese on top.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Stir it back into the creamy sauce.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make It Extra Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, tossing to coat it in the delicious garlic Parmesan sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, then dig in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 650
(Note: Full nutritional details are available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: Varies based on crockpot setting
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is already a star on its own, but here’s how to make it even better:
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a side salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Pair with roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Additional Tips
- For a thicker sauce, let it sit for a few minutes after adding the pasta—it will absorb some of the extra liquid.
- Want extra flavor? Sauté the garlic in butter before adding it to the crockpot.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—add it right before serving to keep it from getting mushy.
- Prefer a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time and make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
2. Can I make this without a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken on the stovetop or bake it, then make the sauce in a skillet.
3. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try mozzarella, cheddar, or even Gouda for a different twist.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta.
6. What’s the best way to reheat?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
7. Can I add vegetables?
Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully.
8. What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are all great choices.
9. Can I add protein?
Yes! Cooked bacon or sausage would be delicious additions.
10. Can I make it spicy?
For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a meal—creamy, garlicky, and effortless. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low setting)
- Total Time: ~5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty, comforting pasta dish is made in the crockpot, where tender chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. The sauce melds beautifully with al dente pasta and bursts of cherry tomatoes, creating an Italian-American classic perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite type)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Pre-Sear the Chicken:** Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and lightly sear the chicken on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). Transfer the chicken to your crockpot.
2. **Build the Base:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Italian seasoning.
3. **Slow Cook:** Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5–6 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours) until the chicken is tender.
4. **Finish the Sauce:** About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. **Prepare the Pasta:** Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken sauce and gently mix until well combined. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
– For leaner meat, you may substitute chicken breasts; however, thighs tend to remain juicier during slow cooking.
– Always cook pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the crockpot.
– Feel free to add extra vegetables (like spinach or broccoli) during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
– Adjust the sauce consistency with a splash more broth if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg