This incredibly delicious The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together in about four to five hours and is a total set it and forget it winner! Just throw everything in the crockpot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! The best part? You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends. Trust me, this is the cozy comfort food you didn’t know you needed!
Ingredients Breakdown
1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they’re super lean and cook up tender in the crockpot, making them a fantastic base for our creamy sauce. Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor! They’ll be a tad juicier, and who doesn’t love that?
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a must-have in this dish. It gives you that wonderful garlic aroma that fills the house while cooking. If you happen to have fresh garlic, go ahead and use that instead, just use about four cloves, minced. The more garlic, the better, in my opinion!
1 tsp Onion Powder
Onion powder is a game-changer here; it adds flavor without overpowering the dish. You can also use fresh onion if you prefer, but make sure to sauté it first for that rich flavor you get when it caramelizes. Delicious!
½ tsp Black Pepper
A couple of pinches of black pepper add just the right kick to the dish! I like to adjust this to my family’s taste some days, we go a bit heavier, and other days, more subtle.
½ tsp Salt
Ah, salt—the unsung hero of cooking! It brings all the flavors together. I usually opt for kosher salt because of its light, flaky texture that dissolves so beautifully. You can always taste and adjust as you go!
2 Cups Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is crucial for keeping your chicken moist and for creating that creamy, luscious sauce. I almost always reach for low-sodium options to control the saltiness, but homemade broth would be amazing if you have it on hand!
1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Oh, the cheesy goodness! Freshly grated Parmesan is going to give you the best texture and flavor, trust me on this. However, if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated will work too. Just know it won’t melt quite as nicely.
1 Package (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Cubed and Softened
Cream cheese adds this rich creaminess that’s hard to beat! I prefer it softened and cubed for easy mixing, but if you have any leftovers from a previous recipe, it can also go straight in. Just ensure it’s all melted and blended at the end!
1 tbsp Minced Garlic
I know we have garlic powder already (and I can’t get enough!), but a tablespoon of minced garlic adds incredible freshness and brings life to the dish. You can totally increase this amount because garlic is just amazing in any meal!
12 oz Pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Your Favorite)
Pasta is the noodle that ties the whole dish together! I often use penne or rotini because they grab all the yummy sauce in their curves. You can even swap it out for a whole grain or gluten-free pasta if that’s your jam!
½ Cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
Now, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, heavy cream is the way to go! It’s going to make everything super creamy and rich. Half-and-half works too for a slightly lighter version, so choose your creamy adventure!
Optional: Chopped Parsley or Extra Parmesan for Garnish
Though optional, this finishing touch gives it a gorgeous pop of color and a refreshing taste. My family always fights over who gets the last sprinkle of Parmesan!
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Place your chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle generously with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour in the chicken broth to keep things moist and delicious! Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic over the chicken like a comforting blanket.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The smell is absolutely divine, and you’ll know it’s done when it pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Give your chicken a quick shred in the crockpot using two forks. Stir it all together until everything is mixed and creamy, talk about yum!
- Cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain it and then add the pasta to the crockpot.
- Pour in the heavy cream and give everything a good stir to coat those noodles beautifully. It should look creamy and scrumptious!
- Serve it warm, topped with extra Parmesan or some fresh parsley for that touch of color and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together all in one pot, making the cooking process a breeze! It not only saves you time during prep but also makes for minimal cleanup, a win-win in my book!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor and creamy goodness, this is true comfort food that warms both your heart and your belly! It’s the kind of meal you want to curl up with on a chilly night while wrapped in your favorite blanket.
Customizable
The best part is the versatility, this crockpot dish is a blank canvas! You can easily switch out ingredients based on what you have. Toss in some veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even broccoli, whatever your family enjoys!
Crowd-Pleaser
This recipe is one of those meals that even picky eaters can get behind! The cheesy flavor combined with tender chicken is totally appealing to both kids and adults alike. Trust me, it’s a meal that everyone at the table will be raving about!
Make-Ahead Friendly
I love that this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up over the weekend, portion it out for lunches, or enjoy it throughout the week. Bonus: the flavors only get better as it sits!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Meal
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta tastes incredible on its own, but you might want to pair it with some garlic bread to really make it a feast! A simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (though good luck with that!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just know this dish is best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to regain that creamy texture. Stir occasionally so everything warms up evenly.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just cool everything completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Easy Butter Chicken, my Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken, or my Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan!
Closing Thoughts
Trust me, once you try The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll want to make it a staple in your meal rotation! It’s crazy easy, comforting, and absolutely satisfying. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You’ll be rewarded with a creamy, cheesy dish that your taste buds won’t forget!
So, who’s ready to dive in? Just imagine that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen, heavenly! Enjoy this one, y’all!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks and mix everything until creamy.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and add it to the crockpot.
- Add heavy cream and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or parsley.