Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is incredibly flavorful and creamy without requiring much effort. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce is rich, cheesy, and comforting. With just a few ingredients, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. The best part? It’s a one-pot meal, making clean-up a breeze! The slow cooking process lets the flavors meld together, creating a mouthwatering meal your whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your preferred pasta)

  • Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. You can use frozen or thawed chicken breasts, but if you’re using frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time by 30 minutes to 1 hour.

  2. Add the creamy ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

  3. Cook the chicken: Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  4. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, stirring it into the sauce.

  5. Cook the pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  6. Combine the pasta and sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce.

  7. Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let everything cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to allow the pasta to soak up the flavors and for the sauce to thicken.

  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve hot.

  9. Enjoy: Your Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is ready to enjoy—creamy, cheesy, and comforting!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

  • Total time: 4-6 hours (including crockpot time)

Variations

  • Add vegetables: Toss in some vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

  • Chicken thighs: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier dish.

  • Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan-style cheese for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your crockpot, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! You can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the pasta and add it to the crockpot once it’s cooked.

3. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

Yes, you can replace the cream cheese with more heavy cream or use a combination of sour cream and cream cheese for a tangier flavor.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little more cream or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.

6. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, or even use a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a simple, creamy, and flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The convenience of the slow cooker makes it perfect for busy days, and the savory flavors of Parmesan and garlic combined with tender chicken and pasta make it a comforting meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner without any fuss. Give it a try—it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

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Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

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Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is an easy, creamy comfort food combining tender chicken, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy nights and packed with flavor.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: 4-6 hours (including slow cooking)
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your preferred pasta)
  • Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot (can use frozen chicken, increase cooking time by 30-60 minutes if using frozen).
  2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  3. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crockpot, mixing it into the sauce.
  5. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until well coated in the creamy sauce.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to let the pasta absorb the sauce and thicken.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer dish.For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

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