Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that demands minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, you’ve found your match. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight hero—it combines tender, shreddable chicken, a rich and velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all with about 10 minutes of active prep time.

This dish is a study in simple perfection. The slow cooker works its magic, ensuring the chicken is unbelievably juicy while blending the aromatic garlic and herbs into a deep, savory base. Then, just before serving, we stir in cream and plenty of fresh Parmesan cheese to transform the sauce into a lush, restaurant-quality cream sauce. It’s comforting, hearty, and guaranteed to have your family asking for seconds.

Forget the take-out menu tonight. This Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Pasta is cheesy, creamy, and undeniably delicious. It’s the kind of meal that makes a busy day feel instantly better.

Why This Crockpot Pasta is Your New Weeknight Star

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is designed for flavor, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing results. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simply toss the chicken and a few ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, and dinner is practically ready when you walk in the door.
• Velvety Texture: The secret is reserving the cream and cheese until the end, guaranteeing a perfectly smooth, rich, and never-grainy cream sauce.
• All-in-One Meal: The recipe includes protein, dairy, and carbohydrates, making it a complete, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require extra side dishes.
• The Best Leftovers: Unlike some creamy pasta dishes, this one reheats beautifully, making it excellent for meal prepping throughout the week.
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts and simple pantry staples mean this gourmet-tasting dinner is incredibly economical.

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Base

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon pre-minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Finish

• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for topping)
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle recommended)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Set It, Shred It, Serve It

Follow these steps for the juiciest chicken and the creamiest sauce.

Part 1: Slow Cooker Magic (Set and Forget)

1. Prep the Pot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add Aromatics: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
3. Pour Liquid: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. The liquid should cover the chicken, but if it doesn’t quite, don’t worry—the chicken will release its own juices as it cooks.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.

Part 2: The Creamy Finish (30 Minutes to Dinner)

1. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Leave all the savory juices in the pot. Stir the shredded chicken into the broth.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese cubes to the slow cooker and stir until they are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. This may take about 5–10 minutes on the high setting, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook Pasta: While the sauce finishes, cook the 1 pound of pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of boiling, salted water until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Crucial Step: Drain the pasta well.
4. Combine: Reduce the slow cooker heat to KEEP WARM. Stir the cooked and drained pasta, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Toss gently until the pasta is completely coated in the thick, creamy sauce.
5. Serve: Taste the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Ultimate Creaminess and Flavor

Achieving that luxurious texture in your cream sauce is easy if you follow these simple guidelines.

• Fresh Parmesan is Non-Negotiable: Just like our other Italian recipes, do not use pre-grated or powdered Parmesan cheese. The fresh stuff melts flawlessly and provides that sharp, nutty flavor that is essential for a true cream sauce. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Undercook the Pasta Slightly: Since the pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook in the warm sauce inside the crockpot, cook it one minute less than the package directions recommend. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
• The Cream Cheese Base: Using cream cheese as a foundation instead of a simple roux or flour slurry is the secret to a thick, stable, and velvety sauce that won’t separate. Make sure to cut it into cubes so it melts faster.
• Don’t Boil the Cream: After you’ve added the heavy cream and Parmesan, turn the slow cooker down to the KEEP WARM setting. High heat can cause the cream to separate or curdle. We only want to warm the cream and melt the cheese, not cook it further.
• Garlic Boost: For an extra punch of garlic flavor, sauté 2 extra cloves of minced garlic in butter for 30 seconds and stir it into the crockpot along with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese at the very end.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations

This rich and satisfying pasta is easily customizable to suit any preference or pantry.

Serving Suggestions

• Light Salad: The richness of the sauce pairs perfectly with a crisp, simple side salad dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or homemade garlic knots for scooping up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside simple steamed broccoli or asparagus for a green boost that offers a nice contrast to the creaminess.

Creative Variations

• Chicken and Spinach: For a Tuscan twist, stir in 3 cups of fresh spinach or baby kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking (before adding the pasta) to wilt it into the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker base for a little heat that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) with the cream cheese for an extra layer of savory, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) and stir them into the crockpot along with the pasta for a more earthy flavor profile.
• Different Pasta: Use short pasta like mini penne, cavatappi, or even elbows. Just ensure it’s cooked separately to maintain the perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? It is highly discouraged by food safety guidelines to place large frozen cuts of raw meat into a slow cooker, as they spend too much time in the “danger zone” temperature where bacteria multiply. Always use thawed chicken for this recipe.
• What if my sauce is too thick? If the sauce becomes too thick after sitting, don’t worry! Simply stir in an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth (or even a splash of milk) at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred creamy consistency. Do this while gently warming the mixture on the stovetop or the slow cooker’s KEEP WARM setting.
• How long can I store leftovers? Store leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce overnight, making it thicker.
• Does this recipe freeze well?It is not recommended to freeze this pasta dish. The dairy (cream cheese and heavy cream) will separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated, and the pasta will become very mushy.
  • Freezer Solution: To prep ahead, cook the chicken and sauce base (Part 1, before adding cream cheese, cream, and cheese). Freeze this base alone. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat the base, and then proceed with the steps for the creamy finish and the pasta.
• Can I substitute low-fat dairy? While you can use low-fat cream cheese or half-and-half, the richness and stability of the sauce will be compromised. Full-fat heavy cream and cream cheese yield the best, smoothest, and most luxurious results.

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit and quickly become one of your most popular recipes. Enjoy the easy cooking and the delicious rewards!

Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later and share your own delicious, comforting creations in the comments below!

Michonne Zendaya

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a rich and creamy comfort dish made with tender chicken, parmesan cheese, and pasta tossed in a savory garlic sauce. A simple slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bottle (16 oz) garlic parmesan sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 lb pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker
• measuring cups and spoons
• large pot (for pasta)
• Tongs
• mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour in chicken broth and garlic parmesan sauce. Add cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, until chicken is tender.
4. Shred chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
5. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to the crockpot.
6. Toss pasta with the chicken and sauce until well coated.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use penne, rotini, or spaghetti for this recipe. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half. Add spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.