If you’re dreaming of a comforting, creamy pasta dish that basically cooks itself while your house fills up with the irresistible aroma of garlic and cheese, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta needs to hit your menu tonight. Tender bites of chicken soak up a lush garlic Parmesan sauce, then tumble together with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that never fails to get rave reviews at any table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or reheating leftovers for an easy lunch, you’ll want to make this cozy favorite again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is in how simple but powerfully flavorful each ingredient is. Every component brings its own magic—from velvety cheese to savory herbs—to help create that rich, craveable taste and hearty texture that makes this dish a repeat request.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken soaks up all the wonderful flavors and stays juicy as it slow cooks.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every other flavor in the pot.
- Italian Seasoning: This aromatic blend adds a subtle herbaceous layer, tying the dish together beautifully.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is the backbone of that comforting, homemade flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A bottled sauce (like Buffalo Wild Wings brand) is the secret shortcut—so creamy and loaded with garlicky punch!
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and an extra savory boost to the slow-cooked chicken.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Real Parmesan melts in to thicken the sauce and pack in that classic Italian flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Cubes of cream cheese bring everything together, making the sauce extra silky and decadent.
- Uncooked Pasta (Rotini or Penne): Choose a noodle that grabs onto the creamy sauce—rotini or penne both work perfectly!
- Chopped Parsley: Optional, but a fresh garnish of parsley really brightens up your finished dish.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Seasonings
Begin by lightly greasing your slow cooker insert (a spritz of cooking spray does the trick). Lay the chicken breasts evenly across the bottom, then generously season them with salt, black pepper, and your Italian seasoning. Sprinkle on the minced garlic so it melts right into the chicken as it cooks, ensuring every bite is full of aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Pour in the Flavor
Next, grab your bottle of garlic Parmesan sauce and pour it all over the chicken. Add the chicken broth as well, then use a spoon to gently mix so the chicken is nicely coated with all that garlic-packed goodness. This is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The goal here is to let the chicken get ultra-tender—so it practically shreds itself—and to give the flavors plenty of time to meld. Your kitchen is going to start smelling absolutely incredible.
Step 4: Shred & Cheese It Up
Once the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender, take two forks and shred it right inside the slow cooker. Now sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and scatter the cubes of cream cheese over the top. Stir well so everything melts together into a lusciously creamy sauce. If you want a little extra richness, this is the moment to stir in a splash of heavy cream!
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions, stopping just shy of al dente. Drain it well, then add it straight into the slow cooker. Gently fold it into the sauce and shredded chicken, making sure every noodle is coated in that heavenly garlic-Parmesan blanket.
Step 6: Blend and Rest
Turn your crockpot to “warm” and let everything sit together, uncovered, for about 5–10 minutes. This lets the pasta absorb even more flavor, and the sauce thickens to that perfect, glossy finish. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like and dig in while it’s perfectly creamy and hot.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
For a touch of freshness and color, I love scattering a little chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese over each bowl right before serving. A crack of black pepper adds a nice, subtle kick, and toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon crumbles are always welcome if you want a little crunch on top.
Side Dishes
This creamy, savory pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of that incredible sauce! Even steamed green beans or sautéed spinach are excellent for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into a weeknight showstopper by swirling it onto plates with tongs for a chef-worthy look, then topping with a generous pinch of fresh herbs. For a party, try serving it family-style in a large pasta bowl, or spoon it into smaller ramekins for individual pot pies crowned with puff pastry rounds. The creamy sauce also makes a fantastic base for a baked casserole if you’re feeling extra creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors get even richer after a little rest overnight.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a busy day, freeze leftovers in individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Let the pasta cool completely first to prevent ice crystals, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce as needed. Keep the heat low and stir often to keep the cheese sauce creamy and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini and penne grab onto the sauce best, but any short pasta shape—like farfalle or rigatoni—will work well in Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Just cook it to al dente before stirring in.
Is it possible to make this recipe with rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a fantastic time-saver! Just cut it into chunks and stir it in during the last hour, skipping the initial long slow-cook step. The chicken will soak up all those creamy, garlicky flavors.
What’s the best way to make this dish extra creamy?
A little extra cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream stirred in with the Parmesan takes Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to full-on comfort food status. Don’t be shy about making it lush and rich!
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Certainly! Stir in small broccoli florets, spinach, or even chopped sun-dried tomatoes during the final hour of cooking. They’ll soften up and add a lovely pop of color and flavor throughout the pasta.
What if I can’t find bottled garlic Parmesan sauce?
If you can’t get your hands on the bottled sauce, mix together about 1 cup of heavy cream, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cloves minced garlic, and a pinch of Italian seasoning as a substitute. It’s delicious and incredibly close to the original flavor!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to any time you’re craving comforting flavors without all the fuss. With its creamy texture and deep garlicky richness, it never fails to win over pasta lovers and picky eaters alike. I can’t wait for you to try it—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family tradition in your kitchen, too!
Print
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that practically cooks itself in a slow cooker. Tender chicken, rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and pasta come together to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Sauce and Pasta:
- 1 (16 oz) bottle garlic Parmesan sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place in a greased slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken: Add minced garlic, garlic Parmesan sauce, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until tender.
- Shred and Add Cheese: Shred chicken, add cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta separately and add to slow cooker.
- Combine and Serve: Stir to combine all ingredients. Let sit for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream with the cheeses.
- Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used to save time—adjust cook time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
