When life gets busy, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your dinner savior. Tender shredded chicken simmers all day in a garlic-parmesan sauce and blends into pasta for a dinner that feels like comfort in a bowl. And the best part? You hardly lift a finger.
With creamy cheese, savory garlic, and rich flavor it’s a cozy meal the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic.
- Rich, creamy flavor: Parmesan and cream cheese combine for a silky sauce.
- Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully and holds texture.
- Customizable: Add veggies or spice to adapt to your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (softened)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz (or your favorite) pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
These ingredients blend into a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Season & Layer
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over them.
Step 2 – Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in chicken broth. Add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Step 3 – Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
Step 4 – Shred & Combine
Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir it into the sauce until everything is smooth and creamy.
Step 5 – Cook Pasta Separately
Boil pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain well do not cook pasta in the crockpot to prevent mushiness.
Step 6 – Finish & Serve
Stir cooked pasta and heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the crockpot. Mix until pasta is fully coated. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
Tips, Variations & Notes
- Avoid curdling: Add cream or half-and-half only after cooking to preserve smooth texture.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh gives better melt and flavor than pre-shredded.
- Add vegetables: Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms in the last 30 min.
- Thinning sauce: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or reserved pasta water.
- Storage: Keeps in fridge 3–4 days; reheat gently with a bit of extra liquid to loosen sauce.
- Freezer caution: Some dairy sauces may change texture — reheat slowly and stir well.
FAQs
Can I cook the pasta in the crockpot?
No, pasta will overcook and become mushy. Always cook it separately.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, thighs give even more flavor and stay juicy.
Can I skip the cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Use only if needed for dietary reasons.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and confirm your broth and seasonings are GF.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comfort food made effortless. Creamy, flavorful, and totally satisfying it’s perfect for any night when you want dinner that feels indulgent but doesn’t take hours.
✨ Try it this week, snap a pic, and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort tastes better with a dash of garlic and love.