Description

This Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting slow-cooked meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce, then shredded and combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a splash of cream, resulting in a luscious and flavorful pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt

Slow Cooker Sauce Components

2 cups chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 tbsp minced garlic

Pasta and Finishing Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to season thoroughly.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top of the chicken, distributing ingredients evenly.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot 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 easily.
Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir well to combine the shredded meat with the cheesy garlic sauce, creating a flavorful base.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. 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 dish warm, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired, for additional flavor and presentation.

Notes

Cook pasta separately to avoid overcooking and maintain the perfect al dente texture.
Add cream after slow cooking to prevent sauce separation and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
Use fresh minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor and the best melting quality.
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 sauce consistency.
Freezing is possible in single portions, though the sauce texture may change slightly. Stir well during reheating to bring the sauce back together.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner