Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those easy, comforting meals that fill your kitchen with amazing smells while you relax. It’s a creamy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, rich garlic flavor, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. The slow cooker does all the work, giving the chicken a chance to soak up all that delicious garlic and cheesy goodness.
I love making this recipe on busy days because I can set it and forget it until dinner time. The best part is how the flavors come together into a smooth, creamy sauce that sticks to every bite of pasta. I usually add a little extra Parmesan on top at the end because you can never have too much cheese, in my opinion!
When I serve this dish, I like to pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to add a fresh, light touch. It’s the kind of meal that everyone seems to enjoy, whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a cozy dinner to curl up with. This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta always feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for tender, easy-to-shred meat. You can swap with thighs if you want juicier, more flavorful chicken.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor here, but garlic powder works in a pinch. I like mine well-minced to spread the flavor all through the sauce.
Cream cheese & heavy cream: These make the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds great flavor. You can substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or use a pre-grated mix if pressed for time.
Rotini pasta: The twists hold onto the sauce well. Feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle based on what you have.
How to Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Shreds Easily?
Cooking chicken in the crockpot can sometimes make it dry or tough if you’re not careful. Here’s what I do to keep it moist and easy to shred:
- Cook on low heat if you have time; this gently cooks the chicken and keeps it juicy.
- Don’t skip the liquid (chicken broth & cream) as it helps keep the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Check the chicken at the minimum time and test for doneness; overcooking makes shredding harder and chicken dry.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks right away to keep the texture perfect before mixing with sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – I like this because it cooks everything evenly without much fuss.
- Whisk – makes mixing the garlic, broth, and cream cheese smooth and quick.
- Medium bowl – for whisking the sauce ingredients together before pouring.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – to remove and shred the cooked chicken easily.
- Large pot – for cooking the pasta until al dente.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – to stir everything together when combining the pasta and sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use cooked shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for variety and different flavors.
- Cheese changes: Try adding mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a mellower, cheesy flavor.
- Veggie boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to add color and texture.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil or fresh chopped basil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 4-6 hours to cook on low (or 2-3 hours on high). You’ll also need around 10-12 minutes to cook the pasta. Overall, plan on about 4.5 to 6.5 hours total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot. In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Then add the cream cheese cubes on top of the chicken.
2. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred the Chicken and Add Cheese:
Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well so the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
4. Cook and Mix Pasta:
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir gently, making sure all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the crockpot can lead to uneven cooking and food safety concerns.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and sauce in the crockpot earlier in the day, then refrigerate. Reheat gently and cook the pasta fresh just before serving to keep it from getting mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Use Different Pasta Types?
Definitely! Rotini works great because it holds the sauce well, but you can use penne, fusilli, farfalle, or any shape you prefer. Just cook the pasta according to package instructions separately before mixing into the sauce.
