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
Scale
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.
