Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re hunting for a dish that’s creamy, rich, and absolutely brimming with flavor, look no further than Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food: meltingly tender chicken simmered in a lush, garlicky Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. There’s almost no hands-on time, and the end result is restaurant-worthy—yet shockingly simple to make in your own kitchen! Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a meal-prepped lunch, this slow-cooked favorite deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This delightful pasta only calls for a handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen to layer in flavor, creaminess, and just the right touch of savory goodness. Here’s what you need for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—and why you don’t want to skip a single component!

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): These soak up all the flavors and become melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the creamy sauce.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that brings all the flavors together.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Reinforces the garlicky notes without overpowering the dish.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that gives the dish extra depth and an herby aroma.
• Garlic parmesan wing sauce (1 16-ounce bottle): The shortcut to the most irresistibly creamy, garlic-infused sauce.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything succulent and prevents burning while adding rich chicken flavor.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, cut into chunks): The secret to a velvety, luxurious sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings sharp, nutty character that defines the dish.
• Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini, cooked and drained): Perfectly hearty shapes that nestle up to every bit of sauce.
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens up the finished meal and adds a pop of green.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Layer the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, sprinkle them with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This quick step ensures every bite of chicken is seasoned through and through, making the base of your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta super flavorful.

Step 2: Pour in the Magic Sauces

Now it’s time to get saucy! Pour the entire bottle of garlic parmesan wing sauce directly over the chicken, followed by the chicken broth. These provide the perfect balance of creaminess and a punch of garlicky flavor—the soul of this dish. Don’t be tempted to skimp; they’re essential for that signature sauce.

Step 3: Add Creaminess

Scatter the cream cheese chunks and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese right on top of the chicken and sauce. As your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta cooks, these will melt down to create an irresistible, rich sauce that clings to every bite of pasta and chicken.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. When time’s up, your chicken should be cooked through and effortlessly tender—the kind you can easily shred with two forks. Don’t rush this process! The longer cook time lets the chicken soak up every bit of flavor.

Step 5: Shred and Combine

Open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Give everything a thorough stir until your sauce is smooth, creamy, and the chicken is evenly distributed. This is where the magic really comes together—the sauce thickens, the aroma is incredible, and you can already taste the anticipation.

Step 6: Add the Pasta and Finish

Gently fold in your cooked and drained pasta. Toss until every last piece is coated in the creamy sauce. If you like, add a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese factor is at its max.

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is all you need to bring a pop of color and freshness to your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Don’t stop there—some extra grated Parmesan or a twist of black pepper will make each plate look and taste its best.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or a batch of garlicky roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is practically mandatory for mopping up any leftover sauce and rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta family-style in a colorful dish for easy weeknight dinners, or swirl servings into bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch. For a fun twist, stuff the mixture into hollowed bell peppers and bake until bubbling for a cheesy, veggie-packed spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld together beautifully and make for a crave-worthy quick lunch or weeknight dinner with zero fuss.

Freezing

If you’d like to stretch the life of your leftover pasta, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing for best texture and freshness when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or chicken broth, then warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring once or twice to prevent the sauce from separating and to bring back its signature creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. They stay extra juicy and add even more richness to the sauce—just be sure to trim any excess fat before adding them in.

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

Penne and rotini are ideal since their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce so well, but any short pasta like rigatoni or even shells will work beautifully with Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the dish is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy all the comfort with none of the gluten worries.

Is there a way to make the sauce thinner?

If the sauce turns out thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a little milk, extra chicken broth, or a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I prep everything the night before and start it in the morning?

You sure can! Assemble everything in your crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker and set it to cook as directed—dinner will be ready when you get home!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that brings people to the table—hearty, creamy, and so easy it practically cooks itself. Whether you’re a crockpot pro or just discovering the slow cooker’s magic, I hope you give this simple indulgence a try and make it part of your own comfort food tradition.

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