Creamy Dream: Tender Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand effortless magic, and this garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal prep.

Slow-cooked chicken bathes in a creamy, herb-infused sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

One-pot meals simplify cooking while maximizing taste and texture.

The tender chicken practically melts into the perfectly seasoned pasta, creating a meal that feels simultaneously luxurious and homey.

Fragrant garlic and sharp parmesan cheese form the backbone of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful brings a harmonious blend of protein and pasta that transforms an ordinary evening into something special.

This recipe will become your new go-to comfort food solution.

Slow Cook Your Garlic Parmesan Pasta Just Right

• Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Coat your crockpot with a light spray of non-stick cooking oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Layer Chicken and Flavor Boosters

Place whole chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, then generously drench them with creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Sprinkle rich cream cheese and grated Parmesan on top for extra decadence.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the crockpot work its. On low heat, cook for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.

• Transform Chicken into Silky Strands

Carefully remove chicken and use two forks to pull it apart into delicate, moist shreds. Return the shredded meat back into the sauce, mixing thoroughly.

• Introduce Pasta to the Party

Separately cook pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and gently fold pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring every strand gets coated with delicious sauce.

• Serve and Savor

Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a pop of color and extra kick. Dish up this comforting meal while it’s steaming hot and enjoy every delightful bite.

Tricks to Bring Out Big Flavor in the Crockpot

• Roast whole garlic cloves with the chicken for an intense, caramelized garlic flavor that adds depth to the dish.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce mixture up to two days in advance, storing it in the refrigerator for quick assembly when ready to cook.
• Use gluten-free pasta and cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with different proteins like turkey breast or lean pork loin for a tasty protein variation that keeps the same creamy sauce profile.
• Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate version of this comforting meal that's still packed with flavor.

Serving Up That Slow-Cooked Pasta Perfectly

• Pasta Night Perfection: Serve this creamy chicken pasta alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that'll make everyone smile.
• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top with extra chopped parsley, basil, or chives to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color to the dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Enhance the cheesy goodness by sprinkling additional grated Parmesan or some mozzarella on top just before serving for extra melty deliciousness.
• Bread Pairing: Complement the pasta with garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delectable sauce and complete the meal.

Crockpot Storage Tips for Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and safe eating conditions.
• Portion the chicken pasta into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring a quick and delectable meal for busy weeknights. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the pasta in a microwave with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
• Prepare ingredients in advance by chopping garlic, grating cheese, and measuring spices. Store prepped components in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, streamlining your cooking process and reducing day-of kitchen stress.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is excellent for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and easily reheat portions for quick meals during the week.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work perfectly. These shapes help catch and hold the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce better than long noodles like spaghetti.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, substitute whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5-6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Crockpot Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Premium, boneless cuts that absorb rich flavors and become tender during slow cooking; choose organic or free-range for best texture and taste.

• Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce with tangy and nutty undertones; select high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan for authentic flavor and smooth melting.
• Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Adds robust, zesty character to the dish; look for preservative-free, artisan-crafted sauce for superior taste.

• Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully; select medium-sized pasta like penne or rotini for optimal sauce coating.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbal freshness and vibrant color; choose crisp, green leaves without wilting.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional subtle heat and warm complexity; adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents ingredient sticking; choose olive oil-based spray for additional flavor.

Tools That Make Crockpot Cooking Easier

• Crockpot: Essential for slow cooking the chicken and creating a creamy sauce.
• Forks: Perfect for shredding the tender chicken after cooking.
• Pasta Pot: Needed to cook the pasta separately until al dente.
• Colander: Great for draining the cooked pasta quickly.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring sauce and cheese ingredients.
• Cooking Spray: Used to prevent sticking in the crockpot.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in the crockpot.

Tender Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta blends creamy Italian flavors with convenient slow-cooking techniques. Home chefs can savor this comforting one-pot meal that brings easy weeknight dinner magic to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 oz (340 g) dry pasta (rotini or penne)
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, cut into pieces
• ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
• 12 oz (340 ml) parmesan garlic sauce
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lightly spray crockpot interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent ingredient adhesion.
2. Layering: Position whole chicken breasts evenly across the crockpot base, then cascade Parmesan garlic sauce completely over the meat.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Strategically distribute cream cheese and grated Parmesan atop chicken to create a rich, melting flavor profile.
4. Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches optimal tenderness and is fully cooked.
5. Meat Transformation: Remove chicken and meticulously shred into delicate pieces using two forks, then reintegrate into the creamy sauce.
6. Pasta Incorporation: Concurrently cook pasta to perfect al dente texture, drain thoroughly, and fold into crockpot mixture, ensuring complete sauce coverage.
7. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
8. Serving: Plate immediately while piping hot, allowing the luxurious combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken to deliver a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Spray crockpot generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent ingredients from burning or adhering to pot walls.
• Check Chicken Doneness Carefully: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without dryness.
• Customize Sauce Consistency: If sauce appears too thick, gradually add chicken broth or reserved pasta water to achieve desired creamy texture without compromising flavor intensity.
• Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, use low-fat cream cheese, and substitute chicken with plant-based protein for alternative dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg