If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dinner that requires minimal effort, you have to try this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of tender, slow-cooked chicken and perfectly al dente pasta bathed in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. This dish turns simple pantry ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Plus, it’s all done effortlessly in the crockpot, freeing up your time without sacrificing flavor or richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that everyone can appreciate. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, or that signature garlicky kick that makes this pasta dish irresistible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs/700g): The tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce flavors.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory moisture and builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings richness and a velvety texture that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharp, nutty notes essential for the signature Parmesan flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): The star of the show, delivering aromatic, punchy garlic flavor throughout.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings a touch of earthiness and warmth.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic essence and layers the flavor.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and balance to the garlic.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out the dish.
- Pasta (12 oz/340g, penne, rotini, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top and an extra flavor boost.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Gather and combine your ingredients
Start by placing your chicken breasts into the crockpot along with the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend will slowly meld together, creating a buttery, garlicky, and deeply flavorful sauce that infuses into the chicken as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow cook to tender perfection
Set your crockpot on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. During this time, the chicken will become fall-apart tender, soaking up every ounce of that creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s the magic of slow cooking that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and sumptuous dish.
Step 3: Shred the chicken and return it to the sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Shredding ensures every bite is full of chicken goodness. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot so it can mingle with the sauce and stay warm.
Step 4: Cook and prepare the pasta
While the chicken finishes slow cooking, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it well and set aside. Choosing a pasta shape like penne, rotini, or fettuccine helps trap the sauce, making each forkful delightfully creamy and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce in the crockpot
Add the drained pasta into the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir to combine everything well, then cook on LOW for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step helps the pasta absorb some of the sauce while keeping it warm and perfectly coated in garlic Parmesan goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a fresh and cheesy boost. It’s the little touches that take this comforting dish from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and freshness that brightens the creamy richness of the dish. Don’t forget the extra Parmesan; it adds an irresistible cheesy finish that makes every bite taste even better.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a fantastic companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins topped with an extra Parmesan crust under the broiler for a minute or two. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a large, beautiful bowl for a cozy, inviting meal everyone can dive into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored conveniently in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making your next meal just as satisfying. Give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
This pasta holds up well in the freezer. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Stir often to ensure even heating and avoid drying out the sauce or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe, offering a richer flavor and even more tender texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but generally, the slow cooker does the work for you.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are excellent choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just make sure not to overcook it, since it finishes cooking in the crockpot with the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be a comforting and tasty dish.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can be added in step 5 when mixing the pasta into the crockpot. They add color, texture, and extra nutrition to the dish.
Can I double this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up well. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold all the ingredients, or consider cooking in batches. The flavors remain just as amazing no matter the amount.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a labor of love, but without any of the fuss. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, garlicky goodness combined with tender chicken and pasta that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. I hope you give it a try soon and find it becoming a cherished staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH plus 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes (depending on heat setting)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings in a rich sauce, then combined with perfectly cooked pasta for an easy and flavorful dish that yields 4 to 6 servings.
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 Garnishes
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Add ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the Crockpot.
- Cook the chicken: Cover 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 back into the Crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the Crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir well and cook on LOW for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Spoon the creamy chicken pasta onto plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, allow the pasta and sauce to cook in the Crockpot uncovered during the last 10-15 minutes.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Adding steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, can add extra nutrition and flavor.
