Description

This Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, comforting slow cooker dish featuring tender shredded chicken, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines juicy chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made in one pot and mixed with perfectly cooked pasta for a hassle-free, family-friendly meal.

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

Liquids and Dairy

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

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)

Optional Garnishes

Chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over them to infuse flavor.
Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth, then add grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic on top of the chicken to create a rich sauce base.
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 easily.
Shred and Combine: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy sauce.
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta following package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to avoid overcooking when mixed with the sauce.
Mix Pasta and Cream: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the smooth, creamy sauce.
Serve: Spoon warm servings onto plates or bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley if desired for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

Cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the crockpot.
Add the cream after slow cooking to avoid sauce separation and maintain a smooth texture.
Using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes the flavor more vibrant and the cheese melt better.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
This dish freezes well in individual portions; sauce texture may slightly change, but stirring during reheating will bring it back together.
Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, slow cooker garlic chicken, creamy Parmesan chicken pasta, easy crockpot dinner, comfort food pasta