Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
A comforting and creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour chicken broth into the crockpot, then add grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top of the chicken for a creamy, cheesy base.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and add the pasta to the crockpot.
- Add Cream and Combine: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir thoroughly until the pasta is well coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta warm, optionally garnishing with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells for best results.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to loosen sauce.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking can boost nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner
