The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
