If you’re on the hunt for cozy and flavorful comfort food, look no further than The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish effortlessly marries tender, juicy chicken with a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection and tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s an unbeatable crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and incredibly satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something truly comforting and creamy.

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and that irresistible golden color that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up every bit of garlic and Parmesan goodness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of garlicky warmth to the chicken.
1 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering the delicate flavors.
½ tsp black pepper: Gives a mild kick balancing the richness.
½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients together.
2 cups chicken broth: Builds a flavorful, tenderizing sauce base while slow-cooking the chicken.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that melts into creamy, nutty perfection.
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened: Creates that silky, rich texture that coats every bite.
1 tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic punch for authenticity and vibrant aroma.
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite): Holds the sauce beautifully and adds satisfying chewiness.
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Added at the end to keep the sauce luscious and smooth without curdling.
Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish: Fresh herbs and cheese bring vibrant color and an extra hit of flavor.

How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your crockpot. Season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning combo infuses the chicken with the perfect base of flavor that will shine through once slow-cooked.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients and Broth

Next, pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Add the cubed cream cheese and minced fresh garlic on top. These ingredients will meld together during cooking, creating the rich, creamy sauce that defines this dish.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender enough to shred effortlessly. This gentle cooking method ensures the meat stays juicy and soaks up all the garlicky parmesan flavors.

Step 4: Shred and Stir in the Sauce

Using two forks, shred the chicken right inside the crockpot. Mix it well with the creamy sauce to ensure every shred is coated. This step transforms the chicken into bite-sized pieces that blend seamlessly with the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Separately

While the chicken is cooking, boil your preferred pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well to avoid sogginess. Cooking the pasta separately is key to maintaining perfect texture since it will be combined with the sauce later.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Add Cream

Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, then pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated, and the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy and smooth, ready to serve.

How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley chopped over the top adds a lovely pop of green and freshness to balance the richness. A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always a welcome topping for an added savory finish.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Toasted garlic bread on the side is also an excellent choice, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins with a basil leaf on top for a restaurant-style touch. Or, layer it in a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and broil briefly for a golden crusty topping that adds texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce, so be sure to stir well before reheating to restore that creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well in single portions. Keep in mind that the texture of the sauce might change slightly, but stirring it gently while reheating helps bring it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce. Heat it slowly to avoid curdling and keep the sauce silky smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan brings a classic nutty flavor, you could try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or even a blend with mozzarella for extra creaminess. Just keep the balance to maintain the original charm of the dish.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through safely and becomes tender enough to shred.

What pasta shape works best?

Penne, rotini, or any pasta with grooves or twists works best because they trap the creamy sauce. Avoid very thin noodles like angel hair as they may get mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives and using coconut or almond milk instead of heavy cream, but the flavor and texture will be different from the original creamy dish.

Why should I cook the pasta separately?

Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from becoming overcooked or soggy during the slow cook process and ensures each bite maintains its perfectly chewy texture before combining with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, it quickly becomes the go-to comfort meal that you’ll want to make again and again. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all wrapped up in one easy crockpot recipe is pure magic. Give it a whirl, and get ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out!

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with garlic, Parmesan, and cream cheese create a rich sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Instructions

Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
Add sauce ingredients: Pour chicken broth over the chicken, then add grated Parmesan, cubed softened cream cheese, and minced garlic on top.
Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
Shred chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, then stir it into the creamy sauce to combine.
Prepare pasta: Cook the pasta separately according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for garnish if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta separately to avoid overcooking and maintain a perfect texture.
Add cream after slow cooking to prevent sauce separation and keep it smooth and creamy.
Use fresh minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
You can freeze individual portions, although the sauce texture may slightly change; stirring during reheating helps bring it back together.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread to complete your meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Slow cooking, Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup cooked pasta with chicken and sauce)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy crockpot recipes, comfort food, parmesan cheese recipes