Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

So you’re craving something rich, creamy, garlicky, and comforting—but also too lazy to stand in the kitchen stirring pots like a Victorian housemaid? Same.

That’s exactly why Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta exists. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like you tried… even though your slow cooker did 98% of the work. Honestly, all you have to do is dump things in, press a button, then forget it exists. My kind of romance.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s start with the obvious: garlic + Parmesan = happiness. This combo never disappoints—unless you’re a vampire, in which case… awkward.
Also, this dish is idiot-proof. Seriously, it’s so simple that even I couldn’t mess it up. The Crockpot handles everything while you pretend to be productive. Plus, the flavor? Creamy, savory, cozy, slightly sinful. Basically the pasta equivalent of a warm hug.

Oh, and leftovers? They taste even better the next day. Microwave magic, baby.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts – the blank canvas of the meat world
  • 1 bottle (16 oz) Garlic Parmesan sauce – store-bought because we’re not trying to win MasterChef today
  • 1 cup heavy cream – for that dreamy, silky sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth – thins the sauce just enough
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese – because we believe in cheesy life choices
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced – measure with your heart, honestly
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the star of the show
  • 1 tsp black pepper – fancy
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning – sure, why not
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, whatever you like) – pick the shape that vibes with your soul
  • Fresh parsley – optional, but it makes you look like you tried
  • Salt to taste – the universal fixer

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in your Crockpot. Try to arrange them in a single layer, or just toss them in and call it “rustic.”
  2. Pour in the Garlic Parmesan sauce, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir it a little to mix—but don’t stress, it’ll blend during cooking.
  3. Throw in the cream cheese, cut into cubes so it melts evenly. Add the minced garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Your kitchen will start smelling like a fancy Italian restaurant. You will feel superior.
  5. Cook your pasta in the last 20 minutes of Crockpot time. Al dente, please. Don’t bully the pasta.
  6. When the chicken is done, shred it directly in the Crockpot using two forks. It should fall apart like your willpower near dessert.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together. The sauce will cling to every nook and cranny.
  8. Taste and adjust—more salt, more Parmesan, more garlic… follow your heart.
  9. Serve hot, garnish with parsley, and prepare for emotional attachment.

Nutritional Facts

Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

NutrientAmount
Calories640 kcal
Protein40g
Carbohydrates45g
Fat32g
Saturated Fat16g
Fiber2g
Sugars4g
Sodium980mg

This dish is definitely on the indulgent side, but hey—it’s packed with protein thanks to the chicken, and it actually keeps you full for hours. The carbs give you energy (translation: justified pasta consumption), and the fats make the sauce ultra dreamy. Balance? Sort of. Delicious? Absolutely. IMO, life’s too short for boring food anyway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using raw pasta in the Crockpot. Please don’t. It turns into mushy sadness.
  • Forgetting the cream cheese. Your sauce will be thin, and you’ll lie awake wondering where it all went wrong.
  • Not shredding the chicken enough. Nobody wants surprise chicken slabs in their pasta.
  • Adding too much salt before tasting. Parmesan already has trust issues (and a lot of salt).
  • Overcooking the pasta on the stove. Soggy pasta = emotional damage.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you like juicier meat (IMO, thighs are the real MVP).
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version—but like, why?
  • Try Alfredo sauce instead of Garlic Parmesan if you want a slightly different vibe.
  • Add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to make it feel “healthy” (air quotes very necessary).
  • Gluten-free pasta works too—just cook it slightly under so it doesn’t fall apart.

Feel free to play around. Pasta is forgiving. I wish everything else in life were that forgiving.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Technically yes, but it slows cooking time. Also, thawed chicken just behaves better. Be kind to your Crockpot.

2. Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a personality.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but your sauce will be sad and watery. Don’t do that to yourself.

4. Can this be made ahead?
Yep! It reheats like a dream. Just add a splash of broth or cream before microwaving.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Airtight container, fridge, 3–4 days. If it lasts that long.

6. Can I use canned Parmesan?
…You could. But you deserve better.

7. What pasta shape works best?
Anything that holds sauce—penne, rotini, bowties. Spaghetti works, but it feels chaotic.

Final Thoughts

And there you go—creamy, garlicky comfort food without any of the drama. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect “I want something delicious but also want to sit on the couch” recipe. Now go impress someone—or just impress yourself, honestly. You’ve earned a bowl (or three). Enjoy the cozy carbs, chef!

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