The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers with garlic and Parmesan, then blends perfectly with pasta for an easy, delicious meal. Minimal prep lets your slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 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

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
2. Step 2: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Step 4: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, then stir well to combine with the creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and add the pasta to the crockpot.
6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and creamy.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotini or penne pasta as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape.
• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream without sacrificing creaminess.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• If you prefer a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes along with the spices before cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, but increase the cooking time. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

What cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?

Grana Padano or Asiago are good alternatives that provide a similar nutty, salty flavor. Avoid fresh mozzarella or very mild cheeses as they won’t offer the same depth.

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

This comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfectly coating your favorite pasta for an easy, hearty meal that’s full of flavor.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

Pasta and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor from the start.
2. Add sauce ingredients: Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Add grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top, distributing them evenly.
3. Slow 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 through and tender enough to shred easily.
4. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir thoroughly to combine it with the creamy sauce, ensuring an even coating.
5. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid excess water in the sauce.
6. Combine pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated with a creamy, rich sauce.
7. Serve and garnish: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta onto plates or bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can substitute the cream cheese with a lighter cream alternative for a lower-fat version.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Shredding the chicken in the crockpot helps the flavors meld into the sauce more effectively.
• If the sauce is too thick after adding pasta, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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