why make this recipe
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays. You can set it up in the morning and let the crockpot do all the work. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and pasta, creates a comforting dish everyone will love. It’s also a great way to use simple ingredients to make a satisfying dinner with little effort.
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and effortless dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a comforting, family-friendly meal that tastes like a restaurant favorite with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 tbsp minced garlic
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, spreading them evenly.
2. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
3. Pour chicken broth over the chicken, then add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Shred the cooked chicken in the crockpot with two forks.
6. Cook pasta separately according to package directions, then drain.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and stir until evenly coated.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Make sure cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly.
Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.
For thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
how to make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, spreading them out evenly.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken, then add grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Add the drained pasta to the crockpot, pour in heavy cream or half-and-half, and stir until well coated.
- Serve warm, optionally topping with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
how to serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is best served warm. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style in a large bowl. For a touch of color, sprinkle chopped parsley or extra Parmesan on top before serving. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
tips to make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending into the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the crockpot.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or so.
variation
You can switch out the chicken for shrimp or cooked sausage if you prefer. Also, try adding different types of pasta or using low-fat cream cheese for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure to cook it on high for about 4 hours if using frozen chicken breasts.
2. What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in the evening and store it in the fridge. Then, in the morning, just turn on the crockpot for a delicious ready-to-eat meal when you come home.