If you are looking for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that practically makes itself, you have to try The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce with perfectly al dente pasta for a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an impressive yet easy dinner to prepare ahead, this recipe delivers layers of flavor with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into an indulgent feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each adding a unique element to the dish’s inviting texture, rich flavor, or vibrant appeal. Together, they create a harmonious balance that makes The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe so crave-worthy.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the chicken juicy during slow cooking.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty richness integral to the creamy sauce.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Creates luscious creaminess and a smooth texture.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): The perfect pasta shapes to grab all that sauce and balance the dish.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds extra silkiness and richness to coat the pasta beautifully.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses background garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds savory complexity and sweetness.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle spicy kick.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all flavors so nothing tastes flat.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic punch for vibrant aromatic flavor.
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts right into the crockpot. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken to ensure every bite has a flavorful punch. This seasoning layer sets the tone for the whole dish, creating a well-balanced and tasty base for the sauce.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Cheeses
Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken to keep everything moist and tender as it cooks. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic straight into the crockpot. These ingredients meld together during the slow cooking process, crafting a rich and creamy sauce that is nothing short of divine.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and let everything cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, effortlessly shredding apart with a fork and soaking up the garlicky Parmesan goodness surrounding it. The slow cook method allows all flavors to blend beautifully without any fuss.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Combine
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken well into the creamy sauce, making sure every morsel is beautifully coated. This step is where the magic happens, as the sauce and chicken become one irresistible mixture.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately
While the chicken is cooking, boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well to avoid sogginess. Cooking the pasta separately keeps it perfectly textured and ready to soak up that delicious sauce once combined.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish with Cream
Add the drained pasta into the crockpot and stir in the heavy cream until the pasta is thoroughly coated with that luscious sauce. This final touch transforms the dish into a creamy, comforting meal that is absolutely irresistible and guaranteed to become a household favorite.
How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the creamy richness. A little extra grated Parmesan grated on top will elevate presentation and add an extra cheesy bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like roasted asparagus, a simple mixed green salad, or steamed broccoli. Their lightness and crunch provide perfect contrast to the creamy pasta, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in individual rustic bowls garnished with microgreens for a fancy dinner vibe, or scoop it into small ramekins and sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful textured finish. Consider pairing it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the heavenly sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills—simply stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid overcooking the chicken or pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk, cream, or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy and luscious just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini work great because their shapes hold the sauce well, but feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni depending on your preference.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be aware that cooking time may need to be extended slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies on cheese and cream for its signature richness, but you can try substituting with dairy-free cream cheese, Parmesan alternatives, and non-dairy milk. The flavor and texture will be different but still tasty.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this on the stovetop?
While the crockpot really lets the flavors meld and the chicken get tender with minimal effort, you can simulate this by cooking chicken in broth and seasonings on low in a covered pot for about 1.5 – 2 hours, then proceed with the rest of the steps.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the garlic and onion powders can give the dish a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce well.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve experienced The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a kitchen staple. Its combination of easy prep, slow-cooked comfort, and rich, garlicky goodness is simply unbeatable. Trust me, your future self (and your family) will thank you for making this delicious dish again and again.
Print
The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, then combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a splash of heavy cream for a luscious finish. Made in the crockpot with minimal prep, this dish is a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Pasta and Cream
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken to ensure it’s well seasoned.
- Add broth and cheeses: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic on top. This combination will create a rich, flavorful sauce as it cooks.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooks through.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir well to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly.
- Combine pasta and cream: Add the drained pasta to the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir in the heavy cream until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can switch up the pasta shape to your favorite, such as fusilli or farfalle, based on preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add fresh parsley or basil as a garnish for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot; check chicken tenderness before shredding.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
