The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta for an easy, satisfying meal.

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 evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
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 inside the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine it with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the minced garlic briefly before adding it to the crockpot.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Substitute mozzarella or fontina cheese for a different creamy twist.
• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up when stirring in the pasta.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a little cream or broth to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure they cook through thoroughly.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best as they hold on to the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 626 reviews

A creamy, comforting slow cooker chicken pasta recipe featuring tender garlic parmesan chicken cooked to perfection in a crockpot and combined with a rich, cheesy sauce and your favorite pasta. This hassle-free meal is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, hearty dinner with minimal prep.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Sauce Ingredients

• 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)

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to season the meat thoroughly.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, then add the Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top to create the creamy sauce base.
3. 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 shred easily.
4. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir well to combine the shredded meat with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the crockpot, then pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir all ingredients together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve: Ladle the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta onto plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately warm for best flavor.

Notes

• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before serving if needed.
• Feel free to use any short pasta like penne or rotini.
• To save time, you can cook the pasta in advance and quickly reheat it in the crockpot closer to serving.
• Adding fresh parsley brightens up the dish with a pop of color and freshness.

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