Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta transforms simple ingredients into a decadent weeknight dinner with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, creating a velvety sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken and al dente pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy season when I needed something that could cook while I was away. My family now requests it almost weekly, especially my teenage son who claims it's better than any pasta dish at our local Italian restaurant.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts fresh protein that becomes fork tender and absorbs all the savory flavors
• Garlic powder and onion powder essential flavor builders that infuse the chicken throughout cooking
• Chicken broth creates the foundation of the sauce while helping tenderize the chicken
• Parmesan cheese use freshly grated for the best melting quality and authentic flavor
• Cream cheese the secret ingredient that creates an irresistibly creamy texture
• Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic depth that dried simply cannot match
• Pasta choose shapes with ridges or curves that capture maximum sauce
• Heavy cream added at the end for luxurious richness without curdling during long cooking
• Fresh parsley optional but adds bright color and a subtle herbaceous note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Take time to season both sides of the chicken for consistent flavor throughout the dish.

Create the Base Sauce

Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, then add Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic. The cheese doesn't need to be fully incorporated yet as it will melt during cooking.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You'll know it's done when the chicken easily shreds with a fork. The slower cooking option yields more tender results.

Shred and Incorporate

Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, allowing the meat to absorb the sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the chicken throughout the creamy mixture.

Cook Pasta Separately

Prepare pasta according to package directions in generously salted water until al dente. Cooking it separately ensures perfect texture rather than risking mushy pasta in the slow cooker.

Combine Components

Add the drained pasta to the crockpot with the chicken mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is coated with the luxurious sauce.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving dishes and top with additional freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a professional presentation and flavor boost.

Bookmark

The cream cheese is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its power years ago when trying to recreate a restaurant dish my husband loved. The way it melts into a silky sauce while adding tanginess that balances the rich Parmesan makes this dish extraordinary rather than just another chicken pasta.

Make Ahead Magic

This dish actually improves overnight as the flavors continue to meld. Prepare through the shredding step, then refrigerate the chicken and sauce. The next day, cook fresh pasta and add to the reheated sauce with the cream for a quick dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

While this pasta stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette creates a perfect contrast to the rich creaminess. For a complete comfort food experience, add homemade garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Simple Substitutions

This recipe welcomes customization without compromising the core flavors. Swap chicken thighs for breasts for even more tender results. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or half and half. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun dried tomatoes in the final step for extra vegetables and flavor complexity.

Pro Tips

Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth incorporation

Freshly grate your Parmesan rather than using pre packaged for superior melting and flavor

Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if needed without diluting flavor

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish and often result in even more tender meat. The cooking time remains approximately the same, but thighs are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer. They also add a slightly richer flavor to the finished dish.

→ Why cook the pasta separately instead of in the crockpot?

Cooking pasta separately ensures perfect al dente texture. When added directly to the slow cooker, pasta can quickly become mushy and absorb too much liquid. The separate cooking method gives you control over pasta doneness while still allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce when combined at the end.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in the crockpot up to 2 days ahead. Store refrigerated, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve. Cook fresh pasta just before serving and combine with the reheated sauce. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed to refresh the consistency.

→ What's the best type of pasta to use for this dish?

Medium-shaped pasta with ridges or curves works best as it captures the creamy sauce effectively. Penne, rotini, fusilli, farfalle (bow ties), or cavatappi are excellent choices. The pasta's shape and texture help the sauce cling to each piece for maximum flavor in every bite.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream. You can also use light cream cheese and reduce the Parmesan slightly. Adding extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers boosts nutrition while maintaining the dish's comforting appeal. The flavor will still be delicious, just with fewer calories.

→ Can this be made dairy-free?

While challenging to replicate exactly, you can create a dairy-free version using plant-based cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor profile will differ from the original, but can still be delicious. Consider adding more garlic and herbs to enhance flavor when removing the cheese components.