The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an effortless, creamy, and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken cooks slowly with rich cheeses and garlic, merging beautifully with your favorite pasta for a simple yet delicious dinner.

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, grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Step 4: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir well to combine it with the creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the crockpot.
6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt after cooking.
• Try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth by half a cup.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

While it’s possible, cooking times will be longer, and the texture may be less tender. It’s best to use thawed chicken for the best results.

What pasta works best for this crockpot dish?

Pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or any sturdy short pasta work well because they hold the sauce nicely and don’t get mushy after mixing with the creamy sauce.

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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5 from 70 reviews

This comforting and creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with garlic, Parmesan, cream cheese, and chicken broth to create a rich sauce. Combined with pasta and a splash of cream, this hearty dish is both flavorful and easy to make.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

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

Cheese Sauce and Pasta

• 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 Garnish

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor into the chicken as it cooks.
2. Add Liquids and Cheeses: Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic on top. These ingredients will melt together during cooking, creating a creamy sauce.
3. Crockpot Cooking: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
4. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well to combine shredded chicken with the creamy sauce, ensuring the flavors meld together.
5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Cream: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then stir everything until the pasta is evenly coated and the dish becomes creamy and well mixed.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta warm. Top with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley if desired for added flavor and color.

Notes

• You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli that holds sauce well.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
• If you prefer, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
• Make sure to shred the chicken finely so it blends perfectly with the sauce.

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker recipes, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipes, one pot meal