If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and effortlessly delicious meal, then you absolutely need to try this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and the warm embrace of garlic all simmered slowly to meld those flavors into a dish that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re busy with your day or just want dinner waiting for you, this recipe offers a fuss-free, hearty option that will quickly become your weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element adds its own magic: from the creamy texture of heavy cream to the robust flavor of garlic and the comforting chew of pasta.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs / 700g): The tender protein base that soaks up all those amazing flavors as it slow cooks.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds depth and richness to the sauce while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the dish its luscious, creamy texture that makes this pasta truly indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a salty, nutty element that defines the recipe’s classic Italian flair.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4 cloves): Infuses every bite with that unmistakable warm and savory garlic aroma.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that adds a fragrant complexity to the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of earthiness to balance flavors.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and elevating all the other flavors.
- Pasta (12 oz / 340g): Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work perfectly here; they soak up the creamy sauce just right.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant color and mild herbal punch.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that final cheesy flourish.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start with fresh, boneless chicken breasts that you’ll add straight into your Crockpot. There’s no need for pre-cooking, which keeps this recipe incredibly hands-off. Make sure the chicken is thawed and trimmed for even cooking.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Layer your chicken breasts in the Crockpot, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mix sets the stage for a rich sauce that the chicken will soak up deliciously.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Set your Crockpot to LOW and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. The slow cooking process lets all those garlic and Parmesan flavors infuse into the chicken so every bite sings.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Don’t skip this step! Shredding the chicken helps it mix more evenly with the creamy sauce, making sure every forkful is packed with that luscious flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, boil your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well — you want the pasta ready to soak up the sauce but not be too soggy.
Step 6: Combine & Heat
Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and mix in your drained pasta. Stir everything together, then cook on LOW for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step lets the pasta absorb the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce fully and melds the whole dish into a warm, comforting meal.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once everything is perfectly combined and warmed through, it’s time to bring your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe to the table. Don’t forget the final touches to really make it shine.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of green and a hint of brightness that balances the creamy richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top makes each bite even more indulgent and flavorful. Feel free to add a light drizzle of olive oil for a silky finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad for contrast or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add texture and color to your plate. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic bowls to highlight its comforting vibe, or plate it on a large platter with extra Parmesan and parsley sprinkled artistically for entertaining. For a fun twist, you could even stuff the chicken pasta into bell peppers or bake it lightly with an extra layer of cheese melted on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’re going to want seconds, so store any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the pasta perfect for reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems thick. Stir occasionally until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, and fettuccine are recommended, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or shells. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding the chicken helps the sauce coat every piece evenly and makes the dish easier to eat. If you prefer, you can slice the chicken, but shredding really enhances the texture and flavor distribution.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try swapping heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and using a plant-based Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly, but you’ll still get a creamy, satisfying result.
What if I don’t have a Crockpot?
You can make a similar dish on the stove by simmering the chicken and sauce ingredients in a heavy pot, then adding cooked pasta near the end. Just keep an eye on the moisture level and adjust with broth as needed.
Can I add veggies to the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can boost nutrition and add flavor layers. Add softer veggies toward the end of cooking or just before mixing in the pasta to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer for busy nights or when you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s creamy, flavorful, and unbelievably comforting — the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to dish for weeks to come!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH plus 20 minutes pasta cooking time
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe delivers creamy, tender chicken simmered in a rich sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, shredded, and combined with al dente pasta for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Crockpot as the base for the dish.
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix gently to combine while keeping the chicken mostly submerged.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the Crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot to soak up the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is finishing cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine & Heat: Add the cooked pasta directly into the Crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Cook on LOW for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the pasta absorb some sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta onto plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
- For a slightly thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 10 minutes of cooking in the Crockpot.
- Use your favorite pasta shapes—penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well to hold the creamy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will cook slightly more when combined with the sauce in the Crockpot.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop.
