Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta captures comfort food magic in one delightful dish.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners never looked so effortless with this magical combination of tender chicken and cheesy pasta.

Fragrant garlic weaves through each bite, creating layers of rich, satisfying flavor.

Minimal prep means you can walk away and let the crockpot work its delicious alchemy.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this straightforward, mouthwatering recipe.

One spoonful promises to become your new go-to comfort classic that everyone will request again and again.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to Love

  • Savor Simple Comfort: Crockpot chicken pasta delivers pure deliciousness with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away while a scrumptious meal develops without constant monitoring.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Creamy, cheesy chicken pasta promises to please everyone from kids to adults with its crowd-pleasing flavor profile.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Streamline dinner preparation by cooking protein and sauce together, then adding pasta for a complete meal in a single appliance.

Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender pieces of meat that serve as the main protein for this creamy pasta dish.
For the Sauce and Dairy:
  • Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Provides a rich, flavorful base for the chicken and pasta.
  • Milk: Helps to thin out the sauce and add creaminess.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds extra richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor and provides a salty, nutty taste.
For the Pasta and Seasonings:
  • Pasta: The foundation of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the chicken.

How to Cook Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker

Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle the entire bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce directly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Boost Liquid Volume

Grab the empty sauce bottle and fill it with milk. Shake the bottle to capture any remaining sauce, then pour the milk mixture into the crockpot.

Gently stir to blend the liquids.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the crockpot:
  • Cream cheese blocks
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese

Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and create a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 3-4 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 2-3 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily shreddable.

Step 5: Shred and Mix Chicken

Using two forks, carefully shred the cooked chicken. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot and stir to incorporate it completely with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Prepare and Combine Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Once al dente, transfer the pasta directly into the crockpot.

Stir gently to ensure pasta is evenly coated with the creamy chicken sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Dish out the creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips to Nail Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Use two forks to pull apart chicken breasts while they're still warm for the most tender, easy-to-separate meat.
  • Stir pasta immediately after adding to the crockpot to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent sticking.
  • If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to create a smoother, creamier texture.
  • Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the dish.
  • Sprinkle extra fresh parmesan and chopped parsley on top before serving to boost taste and presentation.

Variations on Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Spicy Kick Chicken Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery version that brings heat to the creamy dish.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to transform the recipe with Mediterranean flavors.
  • Herb-Infused Chicken Pasta: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley during cooking to create an aromatic and herbaceous variation.
  • Mushroom Lovers' Edition: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the crockpot for an earthy, umami-rich rendition of the original recipe.

Pairings to Enjoy with Crockpot Chicken Pasta

  • Pair Creamy Delight with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay complements the rich, creamy sauce and balances the garlic's intensity with its smooth, refreshing notes.
  • Enhance Flavor with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy texture contrast and amplifies the dish's garlicky undertones, creating a satisfying side companion.
  • Create Fresh Salad Sidekick: A light, zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the pasta's richness and adds a bright, refreshing element to the meal.
  • Boost Meal with Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted asparagus or broccoli brings a nutritious, slightly charred dimension that perfectly complements the creamy chicken pasta's indulgent profile.

Best Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders as alternatives to chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Unfortunately, this recipe heavily relies on dairy products like Parmesan sauce, cream cheese, and milk. Substituting these would significantly change the dish’s flavor and texture.

  • How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking or cook separately and mix just before serving to maintain the perfect pasta texture. Overcooking can lead to soft, soggy noodles.

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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings hearty comfort straight from your slow cooker, promising rich Italian-inspired flavors in one simple dish. Creamy cheese and tender chicken meld perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into blocks

Cheeses and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup milk

Sauces and Pasta:

  • 1 (12 ounces) bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
  • 12 ounces pasta

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken breasts in the crockpot base, ensuring they are evenly spread.
  2. Pour entire Parmesan Garlic Sauce over chicken, covering completely.
  3. Rinse sauce bottle with milk, swirling to capture remaining sauce, then add liquid mixture to crockpot.
  4. Incorporate cream cheese blocks and shredded Parmesan, gently mixing to distribute evenly across chicken.
  5. Slow cook at 200°F for 3-4 hours or high heat at 275°F for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes tender.
  6. Remove chicken and shred using two forks, then return meat to sauce, stirring to integrate thoroughly.
  7. Simultaneously prepare pasta in separate pot according to package directions, cooking until al dente.
  8. Transfer cooked pasta directly into crockpot, gently folding to coat noodles with creamy garlic sauce.
  9. Allow pasta to absorb sauce for 2-3 minutes before serving hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful results.
  • If you prefer a more robust garlic flavor, add an extra minced garlic clove or garlic powder to the sauce.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Romano or Asiago for unique flavor profiles.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and lactose-free milk for a celiac or lactose-intolerant friendly version of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 648
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 840 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 52 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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