Crockpot Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Juicy Crockpot Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful parmesan chicken pasta crockpot creation that will make dinner a breeze.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal everyone loves.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among soft pasta shells, absorbing rich parmesan flavors.

Minimal prep work means you can relax while the kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.

Hearty and wholesome, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Cheese lovers and busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together.

Dive into a plate of pure, comforting deliciousness that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta For Busy Nights

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, creating a hands-off meal that transforms chicken into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with minimal effort.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors of garlic, cheese, and tender chicken, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Delivers the ultimate satisfaction of a rich, indulgent pasta meal without complicated cooking techniques or extensive kitchen time.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish that requires little supervision and maximum flavor.

Must-Have Ingredients For Crockpot Garlic Chicken Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender protein that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce and becomes soft during slow cooking.
Sauce and Cheese Ingredients:
  • Garlic Sauce, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy blend that creates a rich, flavorful base for the chicken and pasta.
Cooking Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup of the crockpot.
  • Pasta: A classic carbohydrate that completes the dish and absorbs the delicious sauce.

Steps To Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Magic

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Carefully place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even layer.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Drizzle the garlic sauce generously over the chicken.

Top the sauce with creamy ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

The cheese will melt and create a rich, luxurious sauce during cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot with its lid and let the magic happen.

If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours.

For a more tender result, use the low setting for 5-6 hours.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.

Gently stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.

Add your favorite cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.

Sprinkle some extra parmesan on top for a final touch of deliciousness.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, garlicky chicken pasta!

Tips For Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Perfection

  • Spray crockpot with cooking spray beforehand to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy.
  • Let cream cheese and parmesan sit on top of chicken during cooking to create a rich, creamy sauce that infuses every bite.
  • Use two forks to pull chicken apart gently, ensuring tender, perfectly shredded meat that blends smoothly with the sauce.
  • Cook pasta separately just before serving to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness in the final dish.
  • Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh chopped parsley on top for a restaurant-style presentation and added depth of flavor.

Crockpot Pasta Variations For Chicken Parmesan Fans

  • Gluten-Free Zest: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rice noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and parmesan with nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Herb Kick: Add red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and oregano to boost the flavor profile and create a zestier chicken pasta.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal.

Ways To Serve Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this creamy chicken pasta in a large, rustic wooden serving bowl to create a warm, inviting family-style meal that encourages sharing and connection.
  • Gourmet Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, extra grated parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes on top to add color, texture, and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
  • Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp caesar salad or roasted garlic bread to complement the rich, creamy pasta and provide a balanced, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Enhance the meal with a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or pinot grigio, which perfectly balances the creamy, garlicky flavors of the chicken pasta.

Storing Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta For Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and pasta remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Pour pasta into skillet with small amount of chicken broth or cream. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re lean, tender, and absorb the garlic parmesan sauce perfectly.

  • Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but add an extra 1-2 hours to cooking time and ensure it reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. You’ll need to use gluten-free pasta and check that your parmesan cheese is gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

  • How can I make the sauce creamier?

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding, and whisk the sauce thoroughly to create a smoother, more consistent texture.

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Crockpot Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crockpot Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy parmesan chicken pasta delivers comfort straight from your slow cooker, promising rich flavors and minimal kitchen effort. Cheesy, tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Cheese and Sauce:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) Parmesan garlic sauce
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnish:

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) dry pasta
  • Parsley for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crockpot by lightly coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a uniform base layer.
  3. Generously drizzle garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Strategically place cream cheese and parmesan cheese on top of the sauced chicken, allowing them to melt and create a rich, creamy texture during cooking.
  5. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.
  6. Once cooking is complete, use two forks to carefully shred the chicken directly in the sauce, creating a luxurious and cohesive mixture.
  7. Incorporate cooked pasta into the shredded chicken and sauce, gently stirring to ensure even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
  8. Garnish the dish with additional parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for a final touch of elegance and enhanced presentation.

Notes

  • Use chicken breasts with some fat content to prevent drying out during slow cooking, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth blending without lumps in the sauce.
  • Cook pasta separately to avoid overcooking and maintain ideal texture, adding it just before serving to prevent mushiness.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh taste that complements the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 676
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 630 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 55 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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