This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish you can rely on to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dinner idea, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta should be at the top of your list.

Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or hosting guests, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you! Simply add the ingredients in the morning and let it cook all day. When you come home, dinner is ready to be served.
Creamy and Flavorful: The garlic parmesan sauce is rich and creamy, and it coats the pasta and chicken perfectly, creating a comforting, decadent dish that feels indulgent.
Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, adding to the overall deliciousness of the dish.

Customizable: You can add more vegetables, spices, or even different types of pasta to suit your tastes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to fit your preferences.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy pasta, making this an ideal meal for family dinners. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a dinner party.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. Once seared, transfer the chicken to the Crockpot.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Combine Everything in the Crockpot: Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken breasts in the Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The chicken should easily shred with a fork when it’s done.
Cook the Pasta: About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the Crockpot and mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the butter for extra richness, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

Add Veggies: You can boost the nutritional value of this dish by adding vegetables. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the Crockpot for extra flavor and color.

Use Different Pasta: While penne or rotini work best for this recipe, you can switch things up with other pasta types like fusilli, farfalle, or macaroni.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. You can also sprinkle some fresh jalapeños on top before serving for an extra kick.
Switch the Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken or want to mix things up, this recipe can be made with pork, turkey, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is fully cooked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just note that you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep everything in the Crockpot and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just plug it in and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, you can also make the sauce and refrigerate it separately, adding it to the chicken in the slow cooker later.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

How to Serve

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a one-dish meal that’s perfect on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it alongside:

Garlic Bread: The rich, cheesy flavor of this dish pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A light, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots make a great side dish to add some color and nutrition to your meal.
Wine Pairing: For a delicious pairing, serve this meal with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which complements the creamy garlic flavors of the dish.