Description
A creamy, comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender slow-cooked chicken breasts in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a smooth heavy cream touch. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering indulgent flavors with minimal effort.
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 Ingredients
- 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
- Season the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top of the chicken, layering the flavors for the sauce.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through and tender enough to shred.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot until shredded pieces are combined well with the creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking or once it’s done, prepare the pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Combine pasta and cream: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then stir well to coat the pasta evenly and create a luscious creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and/or chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Cook pasta separately to avoid overcooking and to maintain a firm texture.
- Add the heavy cream only after slow cooking prevents sauce separation and keeps it smooth.
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the richest and most authentic flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Leftovers can be frozen in single portions; upon reheating, stir well to bring sauce back together despite slight texture changes.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread to complete your meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crockpot chicken pasta, creamy garlic chicken, Parmesan pasta, slow cooker dinners, easy pasta recipes, comfort food
