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Ever have one of those days where cooking feels like a chore, but your cravings are still on full blast? That’s exactly where this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta shines. Creamy, cheesy, rich with garlic flavor, and so hands-off it practically cooks itself, this is the ultimate lazy-day comfort meal that tastes like you tried way harder than you actually did.
Picture this: tender, slow-cooked chicken melting into a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, wrapped around perfectly al dente pasta. It’s simple, cozy, and undeniably satisfying. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, and your only job? Stirring, shredding, and devouring.
This recipe is a go-to in my house when I need something hearty and kid-approved, and it never disappoints. It reminds me a lot of our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes — a crowd-pleaser in its own right, but this one takes it up a notch with pasta in the mix.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just trying to avoid dirtying up a dozen dishes, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has your back. Let’s get cooking.
What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
You’re probably thinking, “Is that name a mouthful, or what?” And yes, it is—just like the dish itself. A creamy, garlicky, cheesy mouthful of pure joy. The name might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s all about keeping things easy and delicious.
It’s called Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta because, well, that’s literally what it is. No guesswork. Toss it in the crockpot, let the garlic and parmesan do their thing with the chicken, and then swirl it all together with pasta at the end. Simple.
You know what they say: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Honestly, this one might get you a marriage proposal. So what are you waiting for? Get that slow cooker out!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- It’s creamy and comforting: The sauce is everything—rich, smooth, and loaded with garlic and parmesan. It coats every bite of chicken and pasta in velvety goodness.
- Budget-friendly and filling: With basic ingredients you probably already have on hand, this recipe feeds a crowd without emptying your wallet. Making it at home saves big compared to dining out.
- It’s packed with flavor: Between the garlic parmesan sauce, slow-cooked tender chicken, and your favorite pasta, every bite is like a warm hug. Want to switch it up? Add spinach, red pepper flakes, or even a scoop of pesto.
Craving something similar with fewer carbs? Try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for another weeknight favorite.
Get ready to make this part of your regular rotation. It’s that good.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Quick Overview
This is a dump-and-go dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Just a few ingredients, one pot, and dinner practically makes itself. All you need is a crockpot, about 10 minutes of prep, and some pasta to boil at the end. Total cook time? Around 4 hours.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or those “I’m too tired to think” kind of days.
Looking for a cozy baked alternative? Try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes — it delivers the same bold, comforting flavors without the pasta twist.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 jar (about 15 oz) garlic parmesan sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, bowtie—your choice)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a handful of baby spinach, red pepper flakes, a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
If you’re all about creamy comfort meals with easy cleanup, check out this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice — it’s rich, hearty, and totally fuss-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Place your chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the sauce: Pour in the garlic parmesan sauce and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Mix it into the sauce.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta separately until just al dente, then drain.
- Combine: Add the pasta to the crockpot and stir everything together. Add more parmesan or a splash of cream if desired.
- Finish and serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on so the flavors meld. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta With
- Garlic bread: Because why not double the garlic?
- A crisp green salad: Add freshness and crunch to balance the creamy pasta.
- Roasted broccoli or green beans: Keeps things wholesome and adds a pop of color.
- A glass of chilled white wine (or sparkling water with lemon!) to wash it all down.
Want to mix things up with a different protein? This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni brings cheesy indulgence and a whole new twist on your favorite pasta night.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – cook it separately and stir it in just before serving.
- Add greens at the end – spinach or kale wilt perfectly into the hot pasta.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in cream cheese or let it sit with the lid off for 10 minutes.
- Want spice? Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken to make this even faster.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storage: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly, but a quick stir while reheating brings it back.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth and reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through. Stir well to revive the creamy texture.
Give this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a try and see why it’s become a weeknight staple in so many kitchens. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers on comfort, ease, and serious flavor. Bon appétit!
Want more slow cooker comfort? Don’t miss our One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice for another no-fuss dinner solution.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 –3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 jar about 15 oz garlic parmesan sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or bowtie
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: baby spinach red pepper flakes, splash of heavy cream or cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken in your crockpot : Use 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Make sure they’re spread evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Add the sauces and seasonings : Pour the garlic parmesan sauce and chicken broth directly over the chicken. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors a bit, but don’t worry about it being perfect — the slow cooker will take care of the magic.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours :The chicken should become tender enough to shred with a fork. If using larger chicken breasts, aim for the full 5 hours to ensure they cook through properly. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it releases heat and slows down the cooking process.
- Shred the chicken right in the pot : Once fully cooked, use two forks to pull the chicken apart into bite-sized pieces. Stir it into the sauce, coating it evenly with all that creamy, garlicky goodness.
- Boil the pasta separately : While the chicken is soaking in the sauce, cook your pasta of choice (penne, rotini, bowtie) in a pot of salted boiling water until just al dente — usually about 8–9 minutes depending on the brand. Drain well.
- Combine pasta with chicken and sauce : Add the drained pasta into the crockpot and mix gently until everything is fully combined. At this point, you can also stir in extra parmesan cheese, a splash of heavy cream, or even cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Let it sit with the lid on for 5–10 minutes : This helps the pasta absorb some of the sauce and allows the flavors to come together. The texture will thicken slightly as it rests.
- Garnish and serve : Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, add a final touch of parmesan, and dish it up warm. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Notes
Pros
- Requires minimal prep and effort — perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Creamy, flavorful sauce with customizable ingredients
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find pantry staples
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Cons
- Not freezer-friendly for optimal texture (pasta can get mushy)
- Jarred sauces vary in flavor — taste before serving
- Pasta must be cooked separately — one extra step
Still hungry for more creamy, slow-cooked goodness? You might enjoy other spins on this dish, like Bless This Meal’s version of Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with added richness, or The Recipe Critic’s take for a slightly different flavor twist and prep style.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Meh… it’s not my favorite, but yeah. Thaw it a bit first if you can—it cooks more evenly that way.
Do I have to use the jarred garlic parmesan sauce?
Nope! Homemade is awesome if you’ve got the time (or the will). Otherwise, no shame in the store-bought stuff—it does the trick.
What pasta works best with this dish?
Whatever you’ve got! Penne is my go-to, but bowtie, rotini, or spaghetti will do fine. No pasta snobs here.
Can I double the recipe?
Sure, just make sure your crockpot’s big enough. I tried cramming too much in once… Sauce everywhere. Disaster!
How do you store leftovers?
Pop ’em in an airtight container—good in the fridge for a couple days. Add a splash of milk before reheating so it doesn’t glue together.
Look, you could spend all night scrolling for easy dinners, but trust me—this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is what you want. It’s creamy, it’s garlicky, it’s got that stick-to-your-ribs comfort factor (weather doesn’t even matter—rain or shine, this is supreme). And there’s almost ZERO actual work.
Got more questions or want to check other spins on this dish? Seriously, some folks go wild—see The Recipe Critic’s take on Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta or hop over to Bless This Meal’s twist at Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. You’ll find more tips, tricks, and ways to shake things up.
All right, you’re out of excuses—go pull that crockpot outta storage and get cooking. Your tastebuds (and future, tired self) will high-five you.