Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy and comforting meal that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for busy days, it combines tender chicken with rich Parmesan and garlic flavors for a satisfying family 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
• To taste chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)

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, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Step 4: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to combine.
5. Step 5: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, then pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated and creamy.
7. Step 7: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken.
• Try adding steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritious boost.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• To deepen the garlic flavor, sauté the minced garlic before adding it to the crockpot.

Storage

Store any 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 to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about an hour on low to ensure the chicken cooks through.

What pasta works best with this dish?

Penne, rotini, or any short pasta is ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite type.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese to create a rich sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Finished with a splash of heavy cream and optional parsley or extra cheese garnish, this dish is simple, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

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

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

Sauce

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Pasta and Garnish

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
• Chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish (Optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to season the meat thoroughly.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top to build the base of the creamy sauce.
3. Slow 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 fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
4. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks inside the crockpot, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mixing it thoroughly with the thickened sauce to infuse flavor.
5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
7. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content slightly.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
• Shredding the chicken in the crockpot helps it absorb more of the sauce flavors.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the dish uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food