If there’s one dish that embodies comfort in a bowl, it’s Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, twirled with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s like a warm hug after a long day—and yes, your house will smell amazing while it cooks. Whether you’re juggling soccer practice, late meetings, or just need a dinner that doesn’t demand your constant attention, this slow cooker recipe has your back.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Slow cooking Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta isn’t just convenient—it’s soul-soothing. Here’s why this will become your new weeknight favorite:
- Hands-Off Magic: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you get on with life.
- Creamy Dreamy Goodness: The sauce is a luscious mix of Parmesan, garlic, cream cheese, and cream.
- Customizable Comfort: Gluten-free? Dairy-free? No problem. This recipe flexes with your needs.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters go for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Ingredients Breakdown & Smart Swaps
Let’s peek inside the pot and see what makes this dish sing:
- Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs) – Lean, easy, and ready to soak up all that saucy goodness. Prefer more flavor? Try boneless thighs.
- Garlic Powder & Minced Garlic – A double hit of garlic builds layers of flavor. Fresh garlic = big aroma.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup) – Nutty, salty magic. Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz) – Brings creamy body. Want a twist? Use mascarpone or Boursin.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups) – Keeps things juicy and flavorful. Low-sodium or homemade both work beautifully.
- Pasta (12 oz) – Penne, rotini, fusilli—whatever you have works. Gluten-free varieties hold up well too.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (1/2 cup) – Stirred in at the end for a silky finish. Try oat or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
- Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder – Season as you go. Trust your taste buds.
- Parsley (optional garnish) – Adds a fresh pop of green. Swap with basil or chives if that’s what’s on hand.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Season and Layer
Place your chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Build the Sauce
Add chicken broth, cream cheese (cubed), Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic right on top of the chicken.
3. Let It Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours—just until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
4. Shred It
Grab two forks and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Cook the Pasta Separately
While the sauce finishes, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. (Please don’t cook it in the crockpot—no one likes mushy noodles!)
6. Combine and Finish
Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and give it a gentle stir until well coated.
7. Serve It Up
Dish out generous portions and top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy.
Mounia’s Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt and deepest flavor.
- Taste as you go—you’re the boss of your seasoning.
- Short on time? Cube the cream cheese ahead so it melts quicker.
- Want to add veggies? Toss in some steamed broccoli or peas when you add the pasta.
Real Talk: Why This Recipe Saved My Tuesday
I made this on a Tuesday when the day just wouldn’t quit—endless emails, cranky kids, and zero energy. I dumped everything into the crockpot at lunch, and by dinner, my kitchen smelled like an Italian trattoria. Everyone ate happily (even the tiny food critic who “hates cheese”), and I had enough leftovers for the next day. Win-win.

FAQs About Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely. Try turkey breast or even cooked rotisserie chicken (just reduce the cooking time).
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the chicken and sauce before adding the pasta. Thaw, reheat, cook fresh pasta, and stir it in when ready to serve.
Ready to Cozy Up with a Bowl of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
There’s something magical about coming home to a warm, cheesy bowl of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s comforting, simple, and tastes like you’ve been stirring all day (spoiler: you haven’t). Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal for one, this slow cooker wonder is a keeper. Happy slow cooking, friends!
More Slow Cooker Comforts You’ll Love
If this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta made your weeknight dinner dreams come true, you’ll definitely want to explore these other cozy, creamy, and slow-cooked favorites:
- Craving more rich, creamy goodness? Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken, where sun-dried tomatoes and spinach meet luscious cream sauce.
- Need a soup that warms you from the inside out? Try this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup—perfect for cold nights and cozy lunches.
- In the mood for something a little different but equally comforting? This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup brings all the Italian flavors you love, minus the layering hassle.
- Looking for another pasta favorite that delivers on flavor and ease? Check out our crowd-pleasing Chicken Alfredo Crockpot recipe for a creamy, cheesy dinner that practically cooks itself.
Each of these recipes is packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to bring comfort straight to your dinner table. Give them a try next!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting slow cooker meal made with tender shredded chicken, rich Parmesan-garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. A delicious, low-effort dinner the whole family will crave!
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium or homemade)
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Season and Layer: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Key Ingredients: Add chicken broth, minced garlic, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred Chicken: Shred chicken directly in the crockpot with two forks. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth.
Cook Pasta: While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Cream: Add cooked pasta and heavy cream or half-and-half to the crockpot. Stir until fully coated and creamy.
Serve: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra richness, substitute mascarpone or Boursin cheese for cream cheese.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Add cooked broccoli or peas with the pasta for more veggies.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or milk for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg