Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta : 5-Star Favorite

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If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that life gets busy. Between work, errands, and the “what’s for dinner?” stare from hungry family members, cooking can feel like just another chore. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself while you tackle your day. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky… and yes, absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Effortless Weeknight Magic: Toss everything in the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a creamy, garlicky masterpiece.
Family-Approved Flavor: The rich Parmesan sauce and tender chicken win over even the pickiest eaters.
Perfectly Creamy and Cheesy: Every bite is coated in a velvety sauce that feels like comfort in a bowl.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making tomorrow’s lunch just as good as tonight’s dinner.
Customizable to Your Taste: Swap the pasta, add veggies, or adjust the seasoning—make it truly yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs) – Lean and perfect for shredding. Boneless thighs work if you prefer extra tenderness.
Garlic Powder & Minced Garlic – Garlic flavor is key! Freshly minced garlic adds boldness.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup) – The star of the show. Freshly grated melts like a dream.
Cream Cheese (8 oz) – Adds creaminess. Try mascarpone or Boursin for a fun twist.
Chicken Broth (2 cups) – Keeps everything juicy and flavorful. Low-sodium or homemade works great.
Pasta (12 oz) – Penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal. Gluten-free swaps totally work too.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (½ cup) – Stirred in at the end for the perfect luscious finish.
Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder (to taste) – Season generously to layer flavor.
Parsley (optional garnish) – For freshness. Basil or chives also work beautifully.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Season and Layer

Start by arranging the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This early seasoning step builds the flavor right from the start, so don’t skimp!

2. Add Key Sauce Ingredients

Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Top with cubed cream cheese, Parmesan, and minced garlic. These ingredients will melt together as the chicken cooks, creating a rich and flavorful base for your sauce.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The low-and-slow method gives you tender, shreddable chicken and a perfectly blended sauce without any effort on your part.

4. Shred Chicken in Pot

Once the chicken is fully cooked, grab two forks and shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce until everything looks smooth and creamy.

5. Cook Pasta Separately

While the chicken is finishing up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions, then drain it well. Cooking pasta separately keeps it from turning mushy.

6. Combine and Cream

Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then gently stir everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in that irresistible sauce.

7. Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta onto plates or bowls while it’s piping hot. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a scattering of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch. Take a moment to enjoy how amazing it smells—then dig in!

Tips for the Perfect Pasta

Shred while it’s hot. Chicken shreds way easier when warm—save yourself the arm workout.
Don’t skip fresh Parmesan. Pre-grated stuff can be waxy and won’t melt as smoothly.
Make it your own. Add baby spinach for some greens, or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Fun fact: I first made this for a last-minute dinner party when I had zero energy left. Everyone raved about it, and now it’s my secret weapon for busy nights. (Well… not so secret anymore!)

Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with rotini and tender chicken in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. — This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for a cozy family dinner!

FAQs About Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs give even juicier, more flavorful results.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use oat or cashew cream. There are even vegan Parmesan options now!

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Freeze the chicken and sauce mixture separately from pasta. Thaw, reheat, then toss with fresh pasta.

Make It Tonight!

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything you need in a weeknight dinner—creamy, comforting, and effortless. Your slow cooker will do all the work, while you take all the credit. One bite, and you’ll see why this has become a family favorite in my house.

It’s the kind of dish that saves you on busy evenings, wows guests at casual get-togethers, and even makes for crave-worthy leftovers the next day. With tender shredded chicken, a luscious Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s impossible not to love.

So grab your crockpot, set it, forget it, and let the magic happen. Dinner will be ready before you know it—and trust me, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

More Delicious Recipes to Try Next

Looking for more easy, flavor-packed meals to add to your dinner rotation? Check out these reader favorites:

Try the sweet-savory goodness of the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl for a quick weeknight meal.
Switch things up with the zesty and colorful Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls.
For a handheld delight, these crispy Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser.
If you loved the creamy sauce in this pasta, you’ll adore the indulgent Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think—leave a review and let me know how it turned out! For more inspiration and tasty ideas, make sure to follow us on Pinterest so you never miss a new recipe.