Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you need a satisfying and delicious dinner. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and pasta will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. This crockpot recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also a true time-saver. Simply set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic, resulting in a rich, comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Why This Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Is the Best

If you’re looking for a hassle-free meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is the answer. It combines creamy Parmesan garlic sauce with juicy chicken and tender pasta, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—no need to stand over the stove, just dump the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s a comforting, cheesy meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients for Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

This dish is made with a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy sauce and flavorful chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Parmesan Garlic Sauce: This sauce is the star of the dish, providing the garlicky and cheesy foundation that makes the chicken and pasta so flavorful.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The chicken breasts cook slowly, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce and becoming tender and juicy.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and richness to the sauce, making the dish incredibly smooth.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a depth of cheesy flavor, which is essential for that rich, comforting taste.
  • Dry Pasta (Rotini): This pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, but you can also use other types like penne.
  • Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes: These toppings add freshness and a bit of heat, balancing out the richness of the dish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for substitutions, here are some ideas:

  • Chicken Thighs: Swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
  • Alfredo Sauce: For an even creamier twist, mix in some homemade Alfredo sauce to complement the Parmesan garlic sauce.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Add the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
  4. Top with Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Add cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan on top of the chicken and sauce.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks and stir it into the sauce.
  7. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.
  8. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: For a more flavorful and tender dish, try using boneless chicken thighs. They tend to remain juicier and will soak up the garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: To avoid the cream cheese curdling, allow it to come to room temperature before adding it to the crockpot.
  • Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a splash of chicken broth to the crockpot before cooking.
  • Lemon Zest: For a burst of freshness, add some lemon zest to the finished dish. It balances the richness of the sauce with a light, zesty flavor.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

While Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, here are some delicious sides and variations you can try:

  • Side Dishes: Serve with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complement the richness of the pasta.
  • Spicy Kick: For those who love spice, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Make-Ahead: This dish makes excellent leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This crockpot recipe is perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers:

  • In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat: Reheat the pasta in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Add a bit of extra garlic Parmesan sauce if it feels too dry.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and irresistible flavor. With minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, cheesy meal that will satisfy the whole family. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender, while the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce coats the pasta for a truly indulgent dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this crowd-pleasing meal today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Yes! You can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more tender, which makes them a great substitute. Just follow the same steps in the recipe, and you’ll have an equally delicious result.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it for later?

Absolutely! Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta makes great leftovers. Simply store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. If needed, you can add a little extra garlic Parmesan sauce to keep it creamy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini is a great choice because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain it before adding it to the crockpot.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat in your dishes, you can easily spice up this recipe. Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce while it’s cooking. You can also top the dish with some freshly chopped chili peppers for an extra kick when serving.

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Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Ashely
  • Total Time: 5-6 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, velvety Parmesan garlic sauce, and pasta, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Simply set it and forget it, and come home to a comforting, mouthwatering dinner that the whole family will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 10 ounces dry pasta (such as rotini), cooked and drained
  • Parsley, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
  4. Add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce.
  5. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Shred the chicken before serving and stir it to mix into the sauce.
  7. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For juicier, more tender chicken, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to avoid curdling.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
  • For a spicier dish, add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • You can also mix in homemade Alfredo sauce for an even creamier dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 1074 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 919mg
  • Fat: 64g
  • Saturated Fat: 37g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 66g
  • Cholesterol: 302mg

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