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The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This creamy, flavorful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Tender chicken breasts cook low and slow with garlic, Parmesan, and cream cheese, creating a rich sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.


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

Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
  2. Add creamy ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, and add Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top of the chicken for a rich, garlicky sauce.
  3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
  4. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, stirring it to mix well with the creamy sauce.
  5. Cook pasta separately: While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  7. Serve: Dish out the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Cook pasta separately to ensure it retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy in the crockpot.
  • Add heavy cream after slow cooking to prevent the sauce from separating and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • For the best flavor, use fresh minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.
  • Freeze portions if desired; the sauce texture might change slightly, but stirring during reheating will help bring it back together.
  • This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken pasta, crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner