If you’re in the mood for a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal with minimal effort, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is just what you need. With only four ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a rich, flavorful dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a family favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is So Good
- Just 4 Ingredients: No complicated steps or fancy ingredients—simple and satisfying.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work for you.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Parmesan and cream cheese create a luscious sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this cozy, comforting dish.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a side—either way, it’s a hit!
Ingredients
- 500g / 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup (240ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, cubed
- 300g / 0.66 lb pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (optional, to loosen the sauce)
Directions
- Prepare the Crockpot:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot. Season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). - Add the Cheese:
Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the chicken, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. - Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. - Cook the Pasta:
About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks right in the crockpot. Stir to combine with the melted cheeses. Add chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. - Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheesy sauce. - Serve:
Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts work just as well.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rotini work great in this dish.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Add a bit of chicken broth, milk, or pasta water to loosen the sauce to your liking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Make it earlier in the day and keep it on the “warm” setting until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the pasta may become a bit soft after freezing, the chicken and sauce freeze well. Just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
What other toppings can I use?
Top with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or parsley for extra flavor.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with just 4 main ingredients! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features tender chicken slow-cooked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and served over pasta. With minimal effort, you'll have a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 0.9 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 16 oz / 1 lb jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 4 cloves minced garlic
- ½ cup 0.12 lb grated Parmesan cheese
Optional:
- 12 oz 0.75 lb cooked pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Seasoning
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the garlic powder (or minced garlic) on top. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir gently to coat the chicken.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Combine with Pasta
- Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken to combine with the creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, tossing it in the sauce until well coated.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use garlic Alfredo sauce for extra garlic flavor, or swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Stir in baby spinach or steamed broccoli for a healthy twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Serving Tip: Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce when combining everything—it’s like liquid gold!
- Pro Trick: Add a bit of grated mozzarella or shredded cheddar if you want the sauce extra cheesy.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Variations
Switch things up with these fun twists:
- Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add crumbled bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Mix in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Alfredo-Inspired: Add a touch of nutmeg and heavy cream for a more decadent Alfredo-style sauce.
