Get ready for one of the most comforting and easy one-pot meals you’ll ever make. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the definition of a weeknight dinner hero. It’s an incredibly rich, savory, and creamy dish that requires minimal effort for a massive flavor payoff. Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked in a garlic and Parmesan-infused cream sauce until it’s fall-apart tender, then tossed with your favorite pasta. This is truly the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta for a cozy, satisfying family dinner.
Why This is One of the Best Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta is a fan favorite for so many reasons.
- Incredibly Easy: This is a true “dump and go” recipe. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it perfect for busy days.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of chicken broth, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a luxuriously smooth and savory sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- Tender, Flavorful Chicken: Slow cooking makes the chicken exceptionally tender and allows it to absorb all the delicious garlic and Parmesan flavors.
- A Hearty One-Pot Meal: This is a complete and satisfying meal all on its own, making it one of the best Chicken and Pasta Crock Pot Recipes out there.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta uses a handful of simple ingredients to create its signature decadent flavor.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz package of cream cheese, cubed
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (like penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Instructions
Get ready for an incredibly easy and delicious meal.
Part 1: Slow Cook the Chicken and Sauce
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on all sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Top with the cubed cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Do not stir.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Part 2: Finish the Dish
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should be very tender and shred easily.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking or just after, cook your pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well.
- Combine and Make it Creamy: Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce in the crockpot until well combined. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Add Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the slow cooker and gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the delicious sauce. Serve hot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I cook the pasta directly in the crockpot? While it’s possible to cook pasta in the crockpot, it’s highly recommended to cook it separately for this recipe. Slow cookers can cook pasta unevenly and can easily turn it mushy. Cooking it separately ensures a perfect al dente texture and is a key step in making this the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta.
2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? For food safety reasons, it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken in a slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can keep the chicken in the “danger zone” (40°F – 140°F) for too long, where bacteria can grow. Thawing your chicken first is the safest bet for Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes.
3. What can I add to this Crockpot Chicken Pasta Recipe for more flavor or vegetables? This is a great base recipe to build on! You could stir in a cup of fresh spinach at the end and let it wilt into the sauce. Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes would also be a delicious addition. For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? You can store leftovers of this Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Crock Pot meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken upon refrigeration.
The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large pot for pasta
- colander to drain pasta
- Mixing spoon
- two forks for shredding chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken. Top with cubed cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain well.
- Stir shredded chicken into the creamy sauce in the slow cooker. Add heavy cream and mix well.
- Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss gently until coated. Serve hot.