If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and effortless to prepare, you’re going to love this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect union of tender chicken, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all slow-cooked to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish will wow your taste buds and fill your home with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and savory seasonings, every component comes together beautifully to make this dish unforgettable.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein star of the dish that stays juicy and tender after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warms up the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings an herby note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Garlic lends its signature aromatic punch and depth.
- 1 (16 oz) bottle garlic Parmesan sauce: The creamy, cheesy base that makes the pasta irresistible—choose a good quality brand like Buffalo Wild Wings or similar.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that sharp, nutty flavor that Parmesan is famous for.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed): Creates the ultra-creamy texture that hugs every bite of pasta.
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (rotini or penne): Picks up the sauce beautifully with every twist and tube.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and a mild herbal note when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of a greased slow cooker. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for that fragrant, savory foundation. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken to infuse it with flavor from the very beginning.
Step 2: Add the Sauces and Broth
Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce and chicken broth over the chicken breasts, then gently stir everything to coat the chicken evenly. This combination promises the perfect creamy base that will soak into the chicken as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should become tender and fully cooked, making it easy to shred and mix with the sauce.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Cheeses
Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker—it will be so tender it practically falls apart. Then add the cream cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring until they melt completely and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine
While the chicken finishes cooking, boil your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well, then mix it directly into the slow cooker with the cheesy chicken sauce. Let it sit on the warm setting for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a beautiful burst of green and a fresh herbal lift, balancing out the rich, creamy sauce. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for garnishing if you want to double down on cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The freshness and crunch of these sides contrast perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or baked pasta shells for mini pasta boats. You could also spread it over toasted garlic bread for a hearty pasta melt experience that guests won’t forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to maintain creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze it before adding the cooked pasta. Store the chicken and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight and cook fresh pasta to combine.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; just add it with the sauce toward the end of cooking to warm through without overcooking.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Pasta shapes like rotini or penne work best because their curves and tubes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure to check the labels on the sauce and broth for gluten ingredients to keep it safe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cheese for its creamy texture, so substituting with dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives is possible but will change the flavor and texture significantly.
How can I make the sauce extra rich and creamy?
Stirring in a quarter cup of heavy cream with the cheeses adds extra richness and silky texture, elevating the comfort level of this dish even further.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of comforting, crave-worthy meal you’ll find yourself making over and over, always impressing family and friends with minimal effort. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy, creamy dinner in your recipe rotation!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting slow cooker meal that combines tender chicken, rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an easy weeknight dinner. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (16 oz) bottle garlic Parmesan sauce (such as Buffalo Wild Wings or similar)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a greased slow cooker. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic, garlic Parmesan sauce, and chicken broth, then stir gently to coat the chicken completely.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker 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: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, distributing it evenly in the sauce.
- Add the Cheeses: Add the cream cheese cubes and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to combine the pasta with the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken mixture.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the combined dish to sit on the warm setting or off heat for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors blend and the pasta soak up the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra richness and creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream along with the cheeses.
- You can substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time; if using pre-cooked chicken, add it after shredding and reduce slow cooker time accordingly.
- Use rotini or penne pasta for best texture and sauce adherence.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving if desired.
