If you’ve ever found yourself juggling a busy schedule and craving something that feels like a warm, home-cooked hug, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is here to rescue your dinner plans. Creamy, garlicky goodness meets tender chicken and pasta in this easy crockpot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it on low for 4–5 hours (or high for 2–3 hours), letting the flavors meld into one comforting dish. As the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into every nook and cranny, you’ll know that every bite is a harmonious blend of rich, savory bliss.
This recipe is a beginner-friendly dream, requiring minimal hands-on time and yielding maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, preparing a cozy dinner for family, or packing meals for the week, this dish fits the bill. At around 610 calories per serving, it strikes a balance between indulgence and practicality. Once you pull that pot off the heat, a short 15-minute rest time lets the sauce settle before you dig in. So gather your crockpot, your ingredients, and maybe a glass of wine, because in just a few hours you’ll have a piping-hot, creamy pasta masterpiece to enjoy.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CROCKPOT GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA
Every gourmet creation starts with quality ingredients, and this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is no exception. Below you’ll find the stars of the show—each playing its part to create a rich, creamy, and aromatic one-pot wonder.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These lean cuts provide tender, juicy protein that soaks up the creamy sauce. As they cook low and slow, they shred effortlessly into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil
A drizzle of olive oil helps seasonings adhere to the chicken and adds a subtle fruity note. It also prevents the meat from sticking.
- Garlic powder
Pure, concentrated garlic flavor that infuses the entire dish without the risk of burnt bits. It layers in that savory depth we crave.
- Onion powder
Adds a sweet, aromatic undertone that rounds out the garlic and complements the Parmesan.
- Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that delivers Mediterranean flair and balances the creamy cheese.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, making the cheese taste sharper and the chicken more savory.
- Black pepper
A hint of earthiness and gentle heat that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Chicken broth
Forms the flavorful base of the sauce, adding savory complexity and helping to cook the chicken evenly.
- Heavy cream
The secret to ultimate creaminess—rich, velvety, and luxurious, this transforms the broth into a decadent sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Brings sharp, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce as it melts into the cream.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Adds gooey stretchiness and a mildly sweet flavor that blends beautifully with Parmesan.
- Penne pasta
Tubular shapes that trap the creamy sauce inside, ensuring every forkful is coated in cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley
A bright, herbaceous garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color.
HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s appreciate how simple this one-pot wonder really is. You’ll layer the seasonings, add the liquids, let the crockpot do the work, then finish with cheese and pasta for a seamless, creamy dish that’s ready when you are.
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each breast is well coated so the flavors penetrate deeply as they cook.
2. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken. Gently stir to combine the liquids, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. This creates a rich cooking environment and prevents any parts from drying out.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Low and slow will give you the most tender shreds, while high is perfect when you need dinner in a hurry.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. The meat should pull apart effortlessly. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, nestling it back into the creamy liquid.
5. Add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese to the crockpot, stirring well to mix the cheeses into the sauce until melted and creamy. This step transforms the cooking liquid into a luscious, velvety sauce.
6. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Properly cooked pasta absorbs sauce without becoming mushy.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. This ensures each piece is wrapped in cheesy goodness.
8. Cover the crockpot and let the pasta sit for an additional 10–15 minutes on the low setting to allow the flavors to meld together. This final rest time brings all the components into harmony.
9. Before serving, give it a good stir and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. That final pop of green makes everything look—and taste—irresistible.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CROCKPOT GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA
A dish this creamy and comforting deserves thoughtful accompaniments. Whether you’re keeping it casual or dialing up the elegance, here are some ideas to make your plate shine. Each bite should feel balanced and complete, so pairing the right sides and garnishes can elevate this simple crockpot meal into a memorable feast.
- Serve alongside garlic bread toasted golden brown to mop up every drop of the sauce. Rub the crust with fresh garlic or garlic butter, then broil briefly until crisp.
- Add a refreshing mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness and provides a crisp counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for added texture. A light dusting of cheese brightens each forkful, while breadcrumbs deliver a satisfying crunch.
- Pair with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The citrusy notes echo the parsley garnish and balance the dish’s creaminess beautifully.
HOW TO STORE CROCKPOT GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA
When you’ve poured so much love into a pot of creamy pasta, you’ll want to preserve its flavors and textures as much as possible. Proper storage ensures that leftovers taste almost as good as the day you made them. Follow these guidelines to keep your pasta fresh, flavorful, and ready for a quick heat-and-eat dinner.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. This prevents bacteria growth and locks in moisture. Use shallow containers for faster cooling.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth. This brings the sauce back to life without curdling or drying out the pasta.
- Freeze for longer storage by portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Store pasta separately from sauce if you prefer firmer noodles. Keep the sauce in one container and the pasta in another, combining them only when ready to serve. This avoids sogginess.
CONCLUSION
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has everything you need for a stress-free dinner: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a foolproof method suitable for beginners. With just 15 minutes of hands-on work and a few hours of slow cooking, you create a dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and bursting with cheesy comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, the one-pot convenience of your crockpot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the company of loved ones. Don’t forget to print this article or save it to your favorite recipe collection; it’s a keeper you’ll return to again and again. Below you’ll also find a FAQ to answer any lingering questions about this recipe.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! If you try this recipe or have suggestions for customizing it, leave a comment or question. Share your successes, ask for tips, or let me know how you made it your own. Your feedback helps me refine these recipes and inspires other home cooks to dive into a crockpot of cheesy, garlicky bliss. Whether you’re looking for substitutions, temperature guidance, or ideas to amp up the flavor, feel free to ask—let’s keep the conversation cooking!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Description
This crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a flavor-packed dish, blending tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce and al dente pasta — all effortlessly cooked in one pot.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken. Gently stir to combine the liquids, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
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Add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese to the crockpot, stirring well to mix the cheeses into the sauce until melted and creamy.
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
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Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
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Cover the crockpot and let the pasta sit for an additional 10-15 minutes on the low setting to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Before serving, give it a good stir and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Note
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; if you prefer a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For extra creaminess, you can incorporate more cheese or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and consistency.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli for a fun twist.
