If you are craving a cozy, creamy dish that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a complete comfort meal. This recipe combines ease and flavor in such a delightful way that it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress friends with minimal effort. Get ready to savor a plateful of pure comfort that feels like a warm hug from your favorite chef!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an essential role in shaping the flavor, texture, and appearance of this dish. From the tender chicken and rich cheeses to the garlic and fresh pasta, each element is simple but vital to achieving that signature creamy, garlicky goodness.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Your protein base, tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor even before the fresh cloves.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs for a savory touch.
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh and pungent, garlic is the heart of this recipe’s flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The slow cooker’s flavorful liquid base that keeps everything moist.
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese (cubed): Melts into the sauce, lending a rich, silky texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity to the sauce.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without overpowering it.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine): The perfect vehicle to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish: A fresh, colorful finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Slow-Cook the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken to infuse it with a lovely depth of flavor. Add the minced garlic cloves for that fresh, aromatic punch, then pour in the chicken broth, which will help keep everything moist during the long, slow cooking process. Top it all with cubed cream cheese, which will melt beautifully into the sauce. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and your kitchen smells divine.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Stir in the Cheeses and Cream
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks — the meat should fall apart effortlessly. Stir the creamy melted cream cheese into the broth to create a velvety base. Next, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring well until the sauce becomes a smooth, rich symphony of flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Combine
While your sauce is finishing up, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente — tender but with a little bite. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the crockpot. Gently stir the noodles so every strand or piece is coated in that gorgeous garlic Parmesan sauce, and the shredded chicken distributes evenly throughout.
Step 4: Let It All Marvel Together
Allow the combined pasta and sauce to sit on the warm setting for 5 to 10 minutes, giving the pasta a chance to soak up all the delicious flavors. This final step brings everything together beautifully before you serve it piping hot with your favorite garnishes.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving not only brightens the color but adds a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. If you’re a cheese lover, an extra handful of grated Parmesan on top will elevate the dish even more, giving that signature salty, nutty bite on every forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is an excellent companion for soaking up any leftover sauce, making your meal feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins or shallow bowls, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. You could also mix in some colorful sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes at the end to brighten up the plate visually and nutritionally.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this tasty Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting meal again without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to save the dish for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Place cooled pasta and sauce in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the pasta texture might soften slightly upon thawing, so it’s best reheated gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot and delicious once again.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time. Just reduce the slow-cooking time and add the chicken during the last 30 minutes so it heats through without drying out.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are all excellent choices because their shapes hold the sauce well. You can use whatever pasta you prefer, but avoid very delicate noodles that might overcook in the slow cooker.
Is there a lighter substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and a little cream cheese to keep the sauce creamy but reduce fat content. The flavor will still be delicious!
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Definitely! Adding spinach, steamed broccoli, or even sun-dried tomatoes near the end of cooking adds color, texture, and extra nutrients without overpowering the recipe.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta separately until al dente and add it to the crockpot just before serving. Avoid cooking the pasta too early in the slow cooker, as it will absorb too much liquid and become mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of those treasured recipes that blends ease, flavor, and comfort in the most delightful way. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without fuss, yet crave a rich, satisfying meal that feels homemade with love. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it a family favorite in no time!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights, the slow cooker does all the hard work while you enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly. Add the minced garlic on top for fresh flavor.
- Add Liquids and Cream Cheese: Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, then place the cubed cream cheese evenly on top. This will melt down during cooking to create a creamy base for the sauce.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. The slow cooking process will infuse the flavors and melt the cream cheese thoroughly.
- Shred Chicken and Stir Sauce: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir everything to combine the melted cream cheese with the broth, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan and Cream: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (or half-and-half) until well combined and smooth, enhancing the richness and garlic Parmesan flavor.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce finishes, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid a watery sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir gently to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce and evenly distribute the shredded chicken.
- Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to sit on the warm setting for 5–10 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce and flavors meld together perfectly.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor and nutrition, add spinach or steamed broccoli in the last few minutes before serving.
- You can substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for raw chicken; reduce the slow cook time and add pre-cooked chicken during the last 30 minutes.
