Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, slow-cooked comfort dish packed with garlic flavor, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness—all made with minimal effort. A family-friendly recipe perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
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