Hearty Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Savory Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand comfort and ease, with this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta bringing deliciousness right to your table.

Creamy and packed with flavor, this simple recipe solves the dinner dilemma in one pot.

Tender chicken melds perfectly with al dente pasta, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Minimal prep means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

This crowd-pleasing meal comes together effortlessly, promising satisfaction for everyone around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 5-6 hours

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 5

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredient Guide

For Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender protein foundation that absorbs rich flavors and creates the hearty base of the dish, selecting fresh or high-quality cuts ensures maximum succulence.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Minced Garlic, Garlic Powder: Delivers robust, aromatic depth with complementary garlic intensity, choosing fresh garlic provides more vibrant taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends Mediterranean herbs for complex, sophisticated flavor profile, look for fresh, fragrant mixes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that elevate and balance overall taste, using freshly ground pepper enhances flavor.
For Sauce Base and Creaminess:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid foundation and enhances savory undertones, selecting low-sodium versions allows better control of saltiness.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel, opt for high-quality cream for best results.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds tangy smoothness and helps thicken sauce, bringing creamy consistency to the dish.
For Pasta Component:
  • Pasta: Serves as the perfect vehicle for sauce, selecting pasta with ridges helps better sauce adherence.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity and beautiful garnish, freshly grated provides superior flavor.
  • Parsley: Introduces fresh, herbaceous brightness and visual appeal, selecting bright green leaves indicates freshness.

Kitchen Items For Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Crockpot: Essential for slow cooking the chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Two Forks: Perfect for shredding the tender cooked chicken.
  • Large Pasta Pot: Needed to cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • Colander: Helps drain the cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the pasta into the sauce and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for the perfect flavor balance.

How To Cook Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Perfectly

  • Chicken Preparation

Toss chicken into the crockpot with aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, and a splash of seasonings. Pour creamy broth and rich cream over the meat, nestling soft cream cheese chunks throughout.

  • Slow Cooking Magic

Let the crockpot work its wonder, transforming raw chicken into tender, succulent goodness. Depending on your timeline, cook on low for a leisurely 5-6 hours or high for a quicker 3-4 hours.

  • Chicken Transformation

Gently pull apart the cooked chicken using two forks, creating delicate, juicy strands. Fold these delectable pieces back into the luxurious sauce, ensuring every morsel is coated with flavor.

  • Pasta Integration

Boil pasta until perfectly al dente, then introduce it to the waiting sauce. Swirl and toss until each pasta strand is lavishly dressed in the creamy, garlicky goodness.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately, letting the enticing aroma invite everyone to the table. Pair with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips To Improve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Flavor

  • Chicken Tenderness Trick: For ultra-tender chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have more fat content, ensuring juicier and more flavorful meat that falls apart easily.
  • Pasta Perfection Hack: Cook pasta separately to prevent overcooking and maintain the ideal texture. Add it to the sauce just before serving to keep the dish from becoming mushy.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version that still delivers rich, cheesy flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. For a smoky twist, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the overall depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This substitution cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, garlicky essence of the original recipe.

Serving Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta At The Table

  • Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, garlicky flavors and add freshness to the meal.
  • Bread Lover's Dream: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Veggie Boost Option: Add steamed broccoli florets or roasted asparagus on the side to introduce extra nutrients and create a more complete, colorful plate that complements the pasta's creamy texture.
  • Elegant Hosting Tip: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to elevate the presentation and add a touch of restaurant-style sophistication to your homemade dish.

How To Store Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of broth or cream to prevent drying out. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide meal into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 5-6 hours
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Scrumptious crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort. Home cooks can savor creamy, cheesy goodness without complicated kitchen techniques, ensuring satisfaction from first delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 g) shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • 2 tbsps chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Tenderly coat chicken pieces with a fragrant mixture of minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Submerge the seasoned chicken in a luxurious liquid blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, strategically dispersing cream cheese chunks throughout the mixture.
  2. Slow Cooking Transformation: Secure the crockpot lid and allow the ingredients to meld and develop flavors. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches peak tenderness and can be easily pulled apart.
  3. Chicken and Sauce Integration: Carefully remove chicken from the aromatic liquid, shred thoroughly using two forks, then reintroduce the delicate meat back into the creamy base. Stir gently to ensure complete sauce integration and flavor distribution.
  4. Pasta and Final Assembly: Cook pasta in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain completely. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the crockpot, gently folding to ensure each pasta strand becomes completely enveloped in the rich, garlicky sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serving: Crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a delicate garnish of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot, complemented by crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for consistent cooking and easier shredding. Pat chicken dry before seasoning to enhance flavor absorption and prevent watery sauce.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Monitor liquid levels during cooking. If sauce appears too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth. Conversely, if too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar during final hour to allow reduction.
  • Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Add pasta during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and fold into sauce just before serving to prevent mushy results.
  • Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter version. Replace regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options. Use low-fat cream cheese for reduced-calorie alternative without compromising creamy richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star