Name: The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488829H9M24S
Total time: PT-488829H9M24S
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 30 reviews

If you’re dreaming of creamy, cheesy comfort food that practically cooks itself, you’re in for a treat with The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This irresistible dish is a beautiful balance of tender shredded chicken, velvety Parmesan and garlic-spiked sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—making it the ultimate cozy dinner the whole family will crave again and again. Everything comes together in the slow cooker for maximum flavor with minimal effort, and the result is so good you might just find yourself adding it to your regular meal rotation!

The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is that it transforms simple pantry staples and fridge basics into something spectacular. Each ingredient plays its own special role—whether it’s adding rich flavor, dreamy creaminess, or that irresistible cheesy finish we all adore.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): These become fall-apart tender as they slowly cook and soak in all the garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): A shortcut to deep garlic flavor with no chopping required.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds mellow savoriness for a well-rounded sauce.
Black pepper (½ tsp): A little pepper brings just the right amount of gentle heat.
Salt (½ tsp): Essential for balancing and lifting all the flavors.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses moisture and layers of savory depth to every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): The star of the show—rich, nutty, and ultra-melty.
Cream cheese, cubed and softened (8 oz): Gives the sauce its luxurious, silky smooth body.
Minced garlic (1 tbsp): For that fresh and punchy garlic kick!
Pasta (12 oz, penne, rotini, or your favorite): Your pasta gives the whole dish its heartiness and soaks up every drop of sauce.
Heavy cream or half-and-half (½ cup): Stirred in at the end for extra richness and a dreamy finish.
Optional: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish: Brightens the dish and gives it that final fancy touch.

How to Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Layer in the Chicken and Seasonings

Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Generously sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure each piece is well coated. These simple seasonings create the flavor foundation for the entire dish, setting the stage for the bold Parmesan sauce that’s about to come.

Step 2: Add the Cheesy and Creamy Ingredients

Next, pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, then pile on the grated Parmesan, cream cheese cubes, and minced garlic. This combination will slowly melt together, infusing the chicken and filling your kitchen with those swoon-worthy aromas only The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe can deliver.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the crockpot work its magic—low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours is just right. The chicken will turn perfectly tender, and all the cheeses and garlic will meld into a rich, unified sauce. There’s nothing better than coming home to these smells!

Step 4: Shred and Stir

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir well so every flavorful strand gets thoroughly coated in the creamy, garlicky sauce, ensuring each bite delivers on that promise of comfort.

Step 5: Cook and Combine the Pasta

While that gorgeous sauce finishes, cook your chosen pasta according to package directions, then drain. Add the hot, drained pasta right into the crockpot. This keeps it from getting mushy and lets it soak up just the right amount of sauce.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Finish

Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and give everything a gentle but thorough stir. The cream makes the sauce extra luscious and helps bind it all together. Serve straight from the crockpot, and don’t forget to sprinkle on any extra Parmesan or chopped parsley for that perfect finishing touch!

How to Serve The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Add the ultimate flavor boost and a pop of color with your garnishes. Try showering each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese (because who ever complained about too much cheese?) or a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herby finish. A crack of black pepper right before serving can also make each bite unforgettable.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette—its freshness is the perfect counterbalance to the rich, creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a sliced baguette lets you scoop up every bit of that dreamy sauce, and roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add a splash of color and nutrition to round out dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Make The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe shine by serving it in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For a family-style vibe, bring the whole crockpot right to the table on a trivet, letting everyone scoop their own. Want to impress? Twirl the pasta into little nests on plates, then top with chicken and extra sauce for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce stays creamy and the flavors deepen, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a forkful cold straight from the fridge!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for future comfort food cravings, just transfer the pasta and sauce into individual airtight containers. Thawed sauce may separate slightly, but a good stir while reheating will bring it back together, making it just as delicious as when you first made it.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce and keep everything silky. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short bursts until hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay just as tender in the crockpot. Use boneless, skinless thighs and cook for the same amount of time for delicious results.

What kind of pasta works best?

This recipe is fantastic with short cuts like penne, rotini, or rigatoni, all of which cling to the rich sauce. But honestly, use any pasta your family loves—just cook it separately and add it in at the end.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe, crowd-pleasing dish.

How can I make the dish a bit lighter?

To lighten things up, use reduced-fat cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You could also add in a few cups of baby spinach or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.

Can I prep any parts of this meal ahead?

Definitely! You can cube and soften the cream cheese, grate the Parmesan, and even season the chicken the night before. Store all the prepped components in the fridge, so in the morning, all you have to do is layer and start your crockpot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the definition of weeknight comfort, give The Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe a try—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you. It’s creamy, cozy, and incredibly easy, and there’s a good chance it’ll become your new favorite home-cooked meal.