Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Description
Creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts cook in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce, then are shredded and mixed with pasta for a hearty, family-friendly dinner. The slow-cooked flavors meld beautifully, creating a luscious, restaurant-style dish that requires minimal hands-on time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Total Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3–4 hours on High or 6–7 hours on Low
Total: 3–4 hours (High) / 6–7 hours (Low)
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Chicken & Sauce:
2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work best)
Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Optional: extra grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Crockpot Base
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour in chicken broth and add butter.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6–7 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add Cream & Parmesan
Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Cook the Pasta
Option 1: Cook pasta separately according to package instructions, drain, and then stir into the crockpot 10–15 minutes before serving.
Option 2 (less preferred for slow cooker newbies): Add uncooked pasta directly to the crockpot with 1 cup extra chicken broth 30–40 minutes before serving and stir occasionally. Ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but add about 30–60 minutes to the cooking time on High. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli absorbs the sauce best. Fettuccine is also delicious for a creamy texture.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 6)
NutrientAmount
Calories:470 kcal
Protein:34 g
Carbohydrates:30 g
Dietary Fiber:2 g
Sugars:3 g
Fat:24 g
Saturated Fat:12 g
Cholesterol:120 mg
Sodium:750 mg