Description
This comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is an effortless, creamy dish featuring tender slow-cooked chicken in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, combined with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, delivering bold flavors with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Liquids & Cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite variety)
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot and evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over them to season thoroughly.
- Add liquids and cheeses: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic over the chicken to build the creamy sauce base.
- Slow 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 through and tender enough to easily shred.
- Shred chicken and combine: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir well to incorporate it with the cheesy garlic sauce.
- Cook pasta separately: Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain well, and then add it to the crockpot with the chicken mixture.
- Finish with cream: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring everything together until the pasta is completely coated in a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the creamy pasta onto plates and top with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cook pasta separately to avoid overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
- Add the heavy cream after slow cooking to prevent sauce separation and keep it smooth.
- Use fresh minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- This dish freezes well in single portions, though sauce texture may change slightly—stirring while reheating helps recombine the sauce.
- Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, crockpot chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy crockpot recipes, weeknight dinner, comfort food
