The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re always on the lookout for a creamy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe absolutely deserves a prime spot in your meal rotation. This irresistible dish blends tender shredded chicken, rich Parmesan, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, all soaking into perfectly cooked pasta. What’s even better? It all comes together with minimal effort in your slow cooker, leaving you more time to relax or catch up with friends. This recipe is a weeknight hero, a potluck favorite, and a guaranteed hit whenever you need something cozy and satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but is all about maximizing flavor. Each ingredient is hand-picked for its role—whether it’s building richness, adding zest, or creating that signature creamy texture. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe shine:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): Choose fresh or frozen—these soak up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds depth to the chicken and layers the flavor from the inside out.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Balances the garlic and brings gentle aromatic sweetness.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Just enough to give a little bite without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential for bringing out all the savory notes in the crockpot sauce.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Keeps the chicken juicy and becomes the base of the creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Gives that unmistakable nutty, salty, cheesy flavor—freshly grated is best!
- Cream cheese, cubed and softened (8 oz): Melts into the sauce for a silky, creamy bite every time.
- Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Because you really can’t have too much garlic in The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
- Pasta (12 oz—penne, rotini, or your favorite): The perfect vehicle to soak up all that dreamy sauce.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (½ cup): Stirs in at the end for extra richness and velvety texture.
- Optional garnishes: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan: A sprinkle of green or more cheese makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Spices
Start by placing your chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. Sprinkle the tops with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This gives the chicken the first burst of flavor and lets the seasonings melt into the meat as it slowly cooks.
Step 2: Add Broth, Cheese, and Garlic
Pour the chicken broth around and over the chicken, then top with the grated Parmesan, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic. Don’t worry about mixing at this point—everything will melt down beautifully as it cooks. This combo creates that iconic, velvety sauce that makes The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe so addictive.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred. The gentle simmer lets all the flavors meld together for maximum impact.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is done, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. Mix well so the tender chicken gets coated in the creamy sauce, making it ultra-flavorful and juicy.
Step 5: Cook and Add the Pasta
While the crockpot works its magic, cook your pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain it well, then add the cooked pasta directly into the chicken and sauce mixture. This makes sure the pasta stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t get mushy.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir gently until everything is evenly coated, ultra-creamy, and glossy. The sauce will cling to every bite of pasta and chicken, making it impossible to resist.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish up spoonfuls of this dreamy pasta while it’s still warm. Top with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and a pop of color. That’s it—your new favorite slow cooker pasta dish is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over each serving and add chopped parsley for an herbaceous hint and a burst of green. For a kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. These little touches take The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe from comforting to totally crave-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—think arugula, spinach, or a classic Caesar—to balance the richness. Toasted garlic bread or a warm baguette is another no-brainer, perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special dinners, serve the pasta in oven-safe dishes, top with a little extra Parmesan, and broil until bubbly and golden. Or, for a fun family meal, offer a pasta bar with bowls of additional toppings like roasted veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, or crushed crispy bacon. The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a blank canvas for all your favorite touches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep incredibly well! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, and the sauce stays creamy—just stir in a splash of broth or cream when you reheat to restore that silky consistency.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. The sauce might change texture a bit after thawing, but a gentle stir during reheating will bring everything back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce and bring back that dreamy creaminess. Avoid boiling hot temperatures, which can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap and add even more juiciness and flavor. Just use the same weight and cooking time as in the original recipe.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even shells all work beautifully. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce well and stays tender after mixing with the creamy chicken.
Is it possible to make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain any hidden wheat products.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Try adding baby spinach, chopped broccoli, or peas in the last half hour of cooking. They’ll gently steam in the creamy sauce and add pops of color and nutrition.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens up too much, simply stir in a little extra chicken broth, milk, or cream until you reach your desired consistency. This is a forgiving dish and adapts well to personal texture preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new go-to comfort food, don’t miss the chance to try The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s simple, flavorful, and absolutely loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness that will have everyone at your table coming back for seconds!
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The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes on low or 2 hours 15 minutes on high
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Creamy, savory, and easy to make, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Sauce:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Pasta:
- 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
- Season Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Ingredients: Pour chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred chicken using forks in the crockpot and combine with the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta separately, then add it to the crockpot.
- Finish Dish: Pour in heavy cream, stir until well coated and creamy.
- Serve: Top with extra Parmesan or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook pasta separately to maintain texture.
- Add cream after slow cooking to keep sauce smooth.
- Use fresh garlic and grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in single portions if needed.
- Pair with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Garlic Parmesan, Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner