The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a true comfort food that brings serious flavor but requires almost no effort, The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is absolutely made for you. Tender chicken cooks gently in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, absorbing every bit of richness before you toss in pasta for the grand finale. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell incredible, draws everyone to the table, and leaves you with happy bellies (and maybe some leftovers for lunch!). Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is a guaranteed kitchen hit you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has a distinct role—some add creaminess, others a punch of flavor or a subtle backbone that ties everything together. Here’s your essential lineup, plus little notes to make your pasta sing.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and juicy; boneless thighs can be swapped in for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Minced Garlic: A powerful one-two garlic punch; use freshly minced garlic for maximum fragrance.
- Parmesan Cheese: The non-negotiable flavor driver—freshly grated melts best and packs the most intense taste.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to a velvety, luscious sauce; mascarpone or Boursin can take it in a tangy direction.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the meat and sauce with savory depth; low-sodium, homemade, or store-bought all get the job done.
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli): Pick what catches the sauce best; gluten-free varieties work seamlessly for all eaters.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For silkiness right at the end; swap in oat or cashew cream for dairy-free alternatives.
- Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder: Essential seasonings to build layers of flavor; sprinkle to taste as you go.
- Parsley (optional garnish): Brings a burst of brightness and fresh color at serving; basil or chives shine here if you prefer.
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer
Start by placing your chicken breasts right into the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This initial seasoning clings to the meat, infusing flavor from the very beginning and ensuring every bite is delicious—even before the sauce comes into play.
Step 2: Add Key Sauce Ingredients
Drop in the cubed cream cheese and scatter the minced garlic all over the seasoned chicken, followed by a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour chicken broth evenly around the sides to create your base. These elements will gently meld as they cook, forming the creamy, garlicky sauce that makes The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours. This unhurried cooking transforms the chicken into fork-tender pieces and allows all those flavors—from garlicky aromatics to rich cheeses—to develop and mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Shred Chicken in Pot
When the chicken is fall-apart tender, use two forks to shred it directly inside the crockpot. Give everything a good stir, letting the shreds soak up all that luscious, creamy sauce. It’s important to fold the chicken fully into the sauce here for maximum taste in every noodle-bound bite.
Step 5: Cook Pasta Separately
While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare your pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain it well—don’t rinse!—and set it aside. Cooking the pasta separately ensures it stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t overcook or go mushy in the slow cooker.
Step 6: Combine and Cream
Add the cooked pasta directly to the slow cooker with the saucy shredded chicken. Pour in your heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir gently until everything is beautifully coated and creamy. This is the moment where it all comes together—the pasta soaks up sauce, and your kitchen smells like a five-star Italian bistro.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot, creamy pasta onto plates or into shallow bowls and finish with an extra snowfall of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Every bite is pure joy: cheesy, garlicky, and deeply comforting. The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready for its moment in the spotlight!
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! A generous grating of extra Parmesan over the top is non-negotiable for true cheese lovers. Add a flurry of chopped parsley, fresh basil, or delicate chives for a hit of color and a pop of herbal freshness that balances the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty and indulgent, so you’ll want light and bright sides for balance. Consider serving with a crisp green salad (arugula with lemon vinaigrette is perfect), roasted or steamed broccoli, or garlicky green beans. Warm, crusty bread is another crowd favorite—ideal for mopping up that glorious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate dinner by serving The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in a big, family-style bowl, garnished with a swirl of cream and clustered with fresh herbs. For parties, try spooning the pasta into individual ramekins or mini cocottes—smaller portions make it feel extra special. Or serve over a bed of wilted spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the pasta completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as everything sits together, making leftovers even more delicious the next day. Don’t forget to pack some extra Parmesan to sprinkle on just before reheating—cheese lovers will thank you!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out any air for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Expect the sauce to thicken up a bit after freezing, but a little splash of extra cream while reheating brings it right back.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen things up. Stir occasionally until it’s steaming hot and creamy. Always top with fresh herbs and cheese to recapture all the original flavor and that incredible creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Shred your rotisserie chicken and simply stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before the end of the cook time, just to heat through. This is a terrific shortcut for busy weeknights.
What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli are perfect. They trap all the dreamy sauce in their nooks and crannies, but honestly, any pasta you love will work.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version and double-check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. The creamy sauce and flavors all work beautifully with gluten-free options.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Definitely! Try stirring in chopped fresh spinach, steamed broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted mushrooms near the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color without sacrificing the creamy texture.
Is it possible to make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead?
Yes—this recipe is incredibly make-ahead friendly. Prepare fully, then cool and store. When you’re ready, warm gently on the stove or in a slow cooker, adding a bit of liquid to loosen up the sauce if needed. It just makes busy nights (or easy entertaining) that much better.
Final Thoughts
Few things are as satisfying as digging into a bowl of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, especially when it’s rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy flavor. Whether you’re new to slow cooker dinners or a seasoned pro, I hope you give this one a try. It’s pure comfort food made for sharing, and I can’t wait for you to taste how amazing (and easy!) it really is.
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The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of this Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken cooked to tender perfection in a rich, garlicky sauce, paired with al dente pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Breasts
Garlic Powder & Minced Garlic
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Cream Cheese (8 oz)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, cubed
Chicken Broth (2 cups)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
Pasta (12 oz)
- 12 oz Pasta (Penne, rotini, or fusilli)
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (½ cup)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder (to taste)
- To Taste: Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder
Parsley (optional garnish)
- Optional: Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Layer – Place chicken in crockpot, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Key Sauce Ingredients – Pour chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, Parmesan, and minced garlic over seasoned chicken.
- Cook Low and Slow – Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken in Pot – Shred chicken in pot with forks, stir into sauce.
- Cook Pasta Separately – Boil pasta separately, drain, and set aside.
- Combine and Cream – Add pasta to slow cooker, pour in cream, stir until coated.
- Serve and Garnish – Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or chives for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta
