This crockpot chicken pasta is one of those easy, comforting dinners we love to make as a team on a busy day. Tender shredded chicken in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, made almost entirely in the slow cooker, feels cozy and effortless, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Crockpot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Parmesan is an easy, comforting slow cooker dinner. Tender chicken cooks low and slow in a rich, creamy garlic sauce made with cream cheese and Parmesan, then gets shredded and tossed with pasta. Mostly hands off with minimal cleanup, this crockpot chicken pasta is a cozy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
What makes this crockpot chicken pasta so good is the creamy garlic sauce. Tender shredded chicken cooks low and slow in a rich cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, then tossed with pasta.
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Watch how this crockpot chicken pasta comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Crockpot Chicken Pasta
- Easy slow cooker meal. This crockpot chicken pasta is mostly hands off.
- Rich, creamy garlic sauce. Cream cheese and Parmesan make it luscious.
- Tender shredded chicken. Slow cooking makes the chicken fall apart tender.
- Minimal cleanup. The sauce comes together right in the crockpot.
- Comfort food favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
What Makes This Crockpot Chicken Pasta So Good
The slow cooker does the work. Cooking the chicken low and slow makes it incredibly tender and lets the flavors meld with almost no effort.
A rich, creamy garlic sauce ties it together. Cream cheese, Parmesan, and broth melt into a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce right in the crockpot.
It is comfort food made easy. Just add everything to the slow cooker, shred the chicken, and toss with pasta for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Cubed cream cheese melts into the sauce as it cooks, giving it a rich, tangy, velvety texture.
Optional Pro Tip: A Smooth, Creamy Sauce
Cube the cream cheese before adding it. Smaller pieces melt evenly into the sauce as the chicken cooks, keeping it smooth.
Add the pasta and cream at the end. Stirring them in after the chicken is shredded keeps the pasta from overcooking and the sauce creamy.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta
- Cube the cream cheese. It melts more evenly that way.
- Do not overcook the chicken. Cook just until tender and shreddable.
- Shred in the crockpot. Shredding right in the sauce keeps it juicy.
- Cook pasta separately. Add it at the end so it stays al dente.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly.
- Add cream at the end. It keeps the sauce silky and rich.
- Season to taste. Adjust the garlic, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Loosen if needed. Add a splash of broth or cream to thin the sauce.
Variations and Add Ins
This crockpot chicken pasta is easy to customize.
- Add vegetables. Stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli at the end.
- Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add bacon. Crispy turkey bacon adds a savory crunch.
- Use chicken thighs. Thighs stay extra juicy and tender.
- Try different pasta. Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well.
- Add sun dried tomatoes. They add a tangy, sweet depth.
- Add Italian seasoning. A pinch deepens the savory flavor.
- Use half and half. It makes a slightly lighter sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover crockpot chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a great quick lunch.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce, since it thickens as it sits.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Pasta
This crockpot chicken pasta is a satisfying, comforting meal on its own. A crisp green salad makes a fresh, light side to balance its richness.
Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic sauce. A side of roasted or steamed vegetables rounds out the plate.
For a complete dinner, serve it with roasted broccoli or green beans. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley makes a lovely finishing touch.
- With a green salad. A fresh, crisp contrast.
- With garlic bread. Perfect for the creamy sauce.
- With roasted broccoli. A wholesome, simple side.
- With extra Parmesan. A savory finishing touch.
For another creamy, crowd pleasing chicken pasta, our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a favorite to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the pasta in the crockpot?
It is best to cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the end. This keeps it from getting mushy in the slow cooker.
How long does it cook?
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay especially juicy and tender during the slow cooking.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The sauce thickens as it sits. Stir in a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, peas, or broccoli all stir in nicely at the end and add color and nutrition.
What pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well, but any pasta you have works.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken and sauce reheat well. Add freshly cooked pasta and a splash of cream when reheating for the best texture.
How do I keep the sauce smooth?
Cube the cream cheese so it melts evenly, use freshly grated Parmesan, and stir in the cream at the end over gentle heat.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid.
Can I freeze it?
The creamy sauce is best fresh, as cream sauces can separate when frozen. It is better stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Easy, Creamy Comfort
This crockpot chicken pasta delivers all the rich, creamy, garlicky comfort of a classic garlic Parmesan pasta with almost no effort. Tender shredded chicken and a luscious cheese sauce come together right in the slow cooker.
Perfect for busy days when you want a cozy, satisfying dinner waiting for you, it is sure to please the whole family. Once you try it, this crockpot chicken pasta is bound to become a regular favorite.
Craving more comforting chicken dinners? Our lemon chicken piccata is another bright, satisfying favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Crockpot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Parmesan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in your crockpot and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, Parmesan, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, pour in the heavy cream or half and half, and gently stir until everything is coated.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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