Life gets busy, but your dinners don’t have to be boring. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything you crave in a comforting dish: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely stress-free. From the first time I made it on a cold weeknight, this pasta became a permanent part of our family meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible smells while you’re off doing other things. If you’re looking for a cozy, set-it-and-forget-it dinner, this one’s your new go-to.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Incredibly easy – just dump, cook, and stir.
- Creamy and cheesy comfort in every bite.
- Crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and foodies alike.
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or lazy weekends.
Unlike other versions, this recipe brings balance with just the right amount of garlic, parmesan, and cream, rich but not overpowering. And because everything comes together in one pot, there’s no mess or fuss. It’s pure comfort without the chaos.
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The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s made for busy weeknights or hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Low-sodium chicken broth
Cream cheese (softened)
Heavy cream
Fresh garlic (minced)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Kosher salt & cracked black pepper
Rotini or penne pasta
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Extra parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Place chicken, garlic, broth, seasoning, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 6–7 hrs or high 3–4 hrs until tender.
3. Shred the chicken with two forks inside the crockpot.
4. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan; stir until smooth.
5. Cook pasta separately according to package instructions.
6. Stir cooked pasta into the crockpot mixture.
7. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth sauce.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Stir in spinach or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
Leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – easy to shred after slow cooking.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – builds a savory base for the sauce.
- Cream cheese (softened) – brings a velvety texture to every bite.
- Heavy cream – makes the sauce rich and indulgent.
- Fresh garlic (minced) – bold and aromatic.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese – nutty, salty, and essential.
- Italian seasoning – blends herbs to unify the dish.
- Kosher salt & cracked black pepper – to taste.
For Serving:
- Pasta of your choice – rotini, penne, or spaghetti work well.
- Fresh chopped parsley – optional but adds color and freshness.
- Extra parmesan – because more cheese is always a good idea.
📌 Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Start with the Base
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, then add the minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This combo starts building deep flavor from the beginning. Make sure the chicken is mostly covered in liquid for even cooking. - Let It Slow Cook
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should become fork-tender and juicy, soaking in all the garlic-herb goodness. If you’re new to using a slow cooker, this USDA guide on slow cooker safety offers helpful tips to make sure everything cooks properly and safely. - Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. It’s important to shred while it’s still hot, it falls apart easily and mixes better into the sauce later. - Make It Creamy
Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan directly to the crockpot. Stir until smooth and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt and blend together—this is where the magic happens. If you see lumps, keep stirring until smooth. - Boil the Pasta
While the sauce thickens, boil your chosen pasta according to the package directions. Don’t overcook, it should be al dente since it will sit in the sauce a bit before serving. - Combine & Serve
Add the drained pasta to the crockpot and mix well, coating every piece in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Top with more parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve warm and dig in.
Serving and Storage Tips
This dish is rich, creamy, and downright comforting, and how you serve it makes all the difference. To really impress, serve it hot and fresh straight from the crockpot into shallow bowls. Add a final sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley just before serving. For a little texture, pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
If you’re feeding a crowd, keep the crockpot on the warm setting during serving. This keeps the sauce creamy without overcooking the pasta.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before microwaving to revive the creamy texture. Avoid reheating too aggressively, gentle heat preserves the sauce’s richness.
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the cream-based sauce may slightly change after thawing. If you do freeze it, cool completely first, store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and reheat on the stovetop over low heat with added cream or broth to bring it back to life.
Helpful Notes
- Room-temperature dairy matters: Bringing cream cheese and heavy cream to room temperature before adding helps them melt smoothly into the sauce. Cold dairy can cause clumps or separation.
- Fresh garlic vs. jarred: For that real garlic punch, go fresh. It makes a huge difference in both aroma and depth of flavor.
- Pasta shape flexibility: Use whatever pasta you love. Rotini grips the sauce beautifully, but spaghetti or penne work great too.
- Make it your own: Want some greens? Stir in baby spinach just before serving. Prefer a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
- Avoid mushy pasta: Always add pasta at the end. Letting it sit too long in the sauce while cooking can make it over-soft.
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is meant to be both cozy and flexible. Adjust it based on what you have, or add little twists depending on your mood. That’s what comfort food is all about.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself and still delivers all the comfort and flavor of a home-cooked dinner. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those gems, creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and always a hit around the table. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your home smell amazing and your guests ask for seconds.
If you’re craving something rich and satisfying without the stress of stovetop juggling, this is your perfect weeknight go-to. And if cozy meals are your thing, don’t miss my Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, it’s light, bright, and soul-warming. Or try Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for that nostalgic, oven-baked comfort you grew up loving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be just as tender and flavorful, maybe even more so. They’re a great swap if you prefer darker meat.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. If you’re going for a lighter version, whole milk is your best bet.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short-cut pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal since they hold onto the creamy sauce well. But honestly, any pasta you love will work!
Can I cook the pasta directly in the crockpot?
Technically yes, but for best texture, it’s better to cook it separately. Pasta can get mushy if it sits too long in the crockpot.