Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Weeknight Meal!

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a weeknight revelation. Imagine stepping through your front door after a long day, greeted by the irresistible aroma of tender chicken simmering in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, ready to be tossed with your favorite pasta. This isn’t a dream – it’s the beautiful reality this incredible recipe offers, transforming busy evenings into moments of culinary delight with minimal effort.

I know how challenging it can be to prepare a wholesome and delicious dinner when time is a luxury. That’s precisely why slow-cooker recipes, born from a desire for convenience in mid-20th-century American kitchens, have endured and evolved. This particular dish perfectly embodies that spirit, blending the fuss-free magic of crockpot cooking with the universally loved flavors of Italian-American comfort food. People adore this dish not only for its incredible ease – truly a ‘set it and forget it’ experience – but also for its profoundly satisfying taste. The chicken emerges unbelievably succulent, infused with the sharp, savory notes of Parmesan and the aromatic warmth of garlic, all cradled in a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that feels gourmet, yet requires surprisingly little hands-on time.

So, if you’re searching for a recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimum fuss, providing a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will eagerly anticipate, then you’ve found it. Get ready to fall in love with what I truly believe is The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe you’ll ever make, designed to simplify your life and tantalize your taste buds.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds. I usually opt for four medium-sized breasts. Using boneless and skinless makes them incredibly easy to shred right in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort.
• Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce block, full-fat is always my preference for the most luscious, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
• Chicken Broth: 1.5 cups. I recommend a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish. This liquid helps keep the chicken moist and forms the base of our incredible sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic for “The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe!” Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic depth that garlic powder simply cannot replicate. If you’re a true garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated, plus more for serving. This is crucial! Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a world of difference compared to pre-shredded varieties. Freshly grated melts much better, creating a silkier sauce and providing a more robust, authentic flavor.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. Added towards the end, this truly elevates the sauce to a restaurant-quality level of richness and velvety smoothness. It brings all the flavors together beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon. A convenient blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that adds classic Italian flavors without needing multiple spice jars.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Contributes a subtle, savory sweetness that complements the garlic and other herbs.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Yes, in addition to fresh garlic! It adds another layer of garlic flavor that permeates the chicken as it slow cooks.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Remember that chicken broth and Parmesan can contribute salt, so always taste and adjust later.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Freshly cracked black pepper is always superior for aroma and flavor.
• Your Favorite Pasta: 16 ounces (1 pound). Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work wonderfully here. I often choose penne because its ridged surface holds onto that fantastic creamy sauce so well. Cook it separately just before serving.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish. A sprinkle of fresh green not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh, clean flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Cornstarch Slurry (Optional): 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. This is your secret weapon if you prefer an even thicker, more luxurious sauce.

Preparing Your Ingredients for the Slow Cooker

Before we even think about turning on that slow cooker, a little bit of preparation goes a long way to ensure “The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe” comes out perfect. This phase is all about setting yourself up for success, ensuring all your flavors are ready to meld into a spectacular meal.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step might seem minor, but it’s important because removing excess moisture allows the chicken to absorb the seasonings better and keeps your sauce from becoming watery. Place the dried chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. I usually arrange them in a single layer if possible, or stack them neatly if my slow cooker is smaller.
2. Mince the Garlic: Now, for the star of the show – garlic! Peel and finely mince your 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic. I can’t stress enough how much a difference fresh garlic makes in this recipe. The aroma alone is intoxicating. If you’re using a garlic press, that works beautifully, but a sharp knife and a little patience will yield equally great results. Sprinkle all that glorious minced garlic evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Measure Dry Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine your 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Give them a quick stir to ensure they’re well mixed. This pre-mixing helps distribute the flavors evenly over the chicken rather than having clumps of one spice.
4. Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle this seasoning blend all over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure every piece gets some love. If you want, you can even rub it in a little to ensure it adheres well. This initial seasoning is key to flavoring the chicken from the inside out as it slowly cooks.
5. Prepare the Broth and Cream Cheese: Pour the 1.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This liquid will keep the chicken moist and create the base of our savory sauce. Finally, take your 8-ounce block of cream cheese and place it right on top of the chicken. If your cream cheese isn’t softened, it’s okay; it will melt down eventually, but softened cream cheese helps it incorporate more quickly and smoothly later on.

Assembling and Slow Cooking the Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This is where the magic really begins! The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with rich, garlicky, and cheesy flavors, creating an incredibly tender dish that’s the heart of “The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.”

1. Set Your Slow Cooker: Once all your ingredients are layered in the slow cooker as described in the preparation phase, secure the lid. Set your slow cooker to the “LOW” setting for 3-4 hours or the “HIGH” setting for 1.5-2.5 hours. I personally prefer cooking on LOW for longer, as it tends to yield more tender and flavorful chicken. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the thickness of your chicken breasts, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the suggested time.
2. Check for Doneness: After the recommended cooking time, the chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shreddable. You can test this by gently pressing on a piece with a fork. It should fall apart with minimal effort. It’s perfectly safe when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Shred the Chicken: Now for one of my favorite parts! Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own. Stir the shredded chicken well to combine it with the cooking liquid, cream cheese, and seasonings. The cream cheese, which has been slowly melting, will now start to incorporate beautifully into the sauce, giving it a delightful creaminess.
4. Incorporate Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly integrated into the sauce. There should be no visible lumps. At this point, pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This adds an unparalleled richness and velvety texture, making the sauce truly luxurious. Stir gently to combine.
5. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Remember my earlier tip about fresh Parmesan? This is where it shines! Stir continuously until the Parmesan has completely melted into the sauce, making it wonderfully thick, savory, and cheesy.
6. Adjust Consistency (Optional Cornstarch Slurry): Taste the sauce. Is it as thick and luscious as you’d like? If you desire an even thicker sauce, this is the time to employ your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, stirring constantly for a minute or two. The sauce will visibly thicken as it heats. Continue to stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Final Seasoning Check: Give the entire mixture a final taste test. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a little more garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you feel it needs a boost. Remember, everyone’s palate is different, and this is your “The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe,” so make it perfect for you.

Cooking the Pasta and Finishing Touches

We’re in the home stretch! The chicken and sauce are perfectly cooked, rich, and flavorful. Now it’s time to bring it all together with your chosen pasta and add those final flourishes that make this dish truly special and ready to be declared “The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.”

1. Cook Your Favorite Pasta: While your slow cooker chicken is resting after its final seasoning, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on your stovetop. Add your 16 ounces of pasta – whether it’s penne, rotini, or fettuccine – to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. What is al dente? It means “to the tooth” in Italian, signifying that the pasta is cooked through but still firm to the bite, not mushy. This is crucial for pasta dishes, especially those with rich sauces, as it provides a pleasing texture contrast.
2. Drain the Pasta Properly: Once your pasta has reached that perfect al dente stage, carefully drain it in a colander. Do NOT rinse the pasta! Rinsing pasta removes the beneficial starch that helps the sauce cling to each strand, and we definitely want every bit of that amazing garlic Parmesan sauce to stick around. A quick shake in the colander to remove most of the water is all you need.
3. Combine Pasta with Chicken Sauce: Now for the grand union! Transfer the drained, hot pasta directly into the slow cooker with your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken. Use a large spoon or tongs to gently fold and stir the pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich, luxurious sauce and bits of tender shredded chicken. Take your time with this step, making sure the sauce is evenly distributed.
4. Stir in Fresh Parsley: Once the pasta and sauce are beautifully combined, sprinkle in your 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. Give it one final gentle stir. The fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant splash of color but also a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce, providing a lovely contrast and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
5. Serve Immediately and Garnish: Your “The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe” is now ready to be devoured! Serve generous portions into bowls. For an extra touch of gourmet flair, I always recommend a final garnish. Sprinkle each serving with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese – because can you ever have too much Parmesan? – and perhaps another tiny sprinkle of fresh parsley for that perfect restaurant-worthy presentation. A crack of fresh black pepper over the top is also a wonderful addition.
6. Enjoy and Store Leftovers: Gather your loved ones and enjoy this incredibly comforting and flavorful dish. Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much overnight.

Conclusion:

I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve just covered! This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering. When I first perfected it, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special, something that deserved to be shared widely. Imagine coming home after a long day to the incredible aroma of garlic and parmesan wafting from your kitchen, knowing that a hearty, delicious meal is practically ready and waiting for you. That’s the magic of this dish.

It embodies everything I love about home cooking: comfort, incredible flavor, and surprising simplicity. The beauty of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its effortless preparation. You simply set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its wonders, transforming humble ingredients into a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible pasta dish. The chicken emerges tender and juicy, bathed in that luscious garlic-parmesan sauce, perfectly coating every strand of pasta. It’s a symphony of savory notes that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me when I say, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire, a go-to for those moments when you crave something truly satisfying without all the fuss. Its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort truly sets it apart, making it an absolute must-try for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal:

While The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is undoubtedly a complete meal on its own, a few simple additions can truly round out the experience. I love serving it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a wonderful textural contrast and a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta. A basket of warm, crusty garlic bread is also an absolute must for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce – seriously, you won’t want to waste a single bit! For a slightly different twist, a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a touch of vibrant green and extra nutrients without overpowering the main dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation and aroma.

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Creative Variations:

One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! If you’re looking to sneak in some extra vegetables, consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking; it will wilt beautifully into the creamy sauce. Sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes also make fantastic additions, adding an earthy depth or a burst of concentrated flavor, respectively. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes stirred in with the garlic will give it a wonderful kick. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes – penne, rotini, or even bow-ties work wonderfully. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for an even richer flavor and juiciness. And for a slightly lighter version, feel free to use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cream cheese or milk without sacrificing much of the deliciousness. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or parmesan to suit your personal taste, making it even more customized to your family’s preferences.

Now, it’s your turn! I genuinely hope you feel inspired and ready to whip up this incredible dish in your own kitchen. There’s something uniquely satisfying about creating a meal that brings so much joy and comfort, and I promise you, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Don’t just read about it; experience the pure delight of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe firsthand. Once you’ve tried it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? What did your family think? Please, share your stories, your photos, and any brilliant variations you came up with in the comments section below or on social media. Your feedback and creativity not only make my day but also inspire countless other home cooks in our community. Let’s make delicious memories together, one bowl of creamy, garlicky, cheesy pasta at a time!

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Experience ‘The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe,’ a creamy, savory, and incredibly easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken simmers in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, ready to be tossed with pasta for a comforting culinary delight.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
4 Hours

Total Time
15 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5-2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups Chicken Broth, low-sodium
• 6-8 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated (plus more for serving)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (to taste)
• 16 oz (1 lb) Your Favorite Pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Fettuccine)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Pat chicken breasts dry and place in the slow cooker.
2. Step 2
   Mince fresh garlic and sprinkle it over the chicken.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
4. Step 4
   Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, then place the block of cream cheese on top.
5. Step 5
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreddable (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
6. Step 6
   Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the shredded chicken with the melted cream cheese and cooking liquid.
7. Step 7
   Stir in the heavy cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is fully melted and smoothly integrated into the sauce.
8. Step 8
   Optional: If you desire a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce visibly thickens to your desired consistency.
9. Step 9
   Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning) as needed to suit your preference.
10. Step 10
    Just before serving, cook your favorite pasta (16 ounces) according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, but do NOT rinse it.
11. Step 11
    Transfer the hot, drained pasta directly into the slow cooker with the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and sauce. Use a large spoon or tongs to gently fold and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce and tender shredded chicken.
12. Step 12
    Stir in the 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley.
13. Step 13
    Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.