Name: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into chunks; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lower calorie option); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 8 oz pasta shapes (penne, rotini, or fettuccine broken into pieces); Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional); Optional add-ins: baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, crushed red pepper

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Introduction

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and effortless meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce combines with pasta to create a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. Toss everything in your crockpot and come home to a warm, cheesy dinner ready to enjoy.

A close-up image of a dish with three layers: the bottom layer is a large white plate filled with twisted rotini pasta, light golden in color and glossy from sauce; the middle layer shows pieces of grilled chicken, cut into medium chunks with browned, slightly crispy edges spread evenly over the pasta; the top layer is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green herb bits scattered across the chicken and pasta, adding texture and color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream over the chicken.
Step 3: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined into the sauce.
Step 6: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain well.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until it is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra nutrition, add spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes during the last hour of cooking.
Use penne, rotini, or broken fettuccine as these shapes hold the sauce well.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories without losing creaminess.
To add a touch of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes when serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess, or microwave until warmed through. For a crispy twist, transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and broil for a few minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is golden-brown spiral pasta with a smooth texture, the middle layer is pieces of grilled chicken that are lightly charred with a crispy texture, and the top layer is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green herb flakes evenly spread, all arranged inside a white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase the cooking time to at least 6 hours on low to allow the chicken to thaw and cook thoroughly in the crockpot.

What pasta works best?

Penne, rotini, or cavatappi are ideal because their shapes catch the creamy sauce. Fettuccine also works if broken into smaller pieces to fit the crockpot.

How do I make it gluten free?

Use gluten-free pasta varieties that hold up to slow cooking. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes on low to avoid overcooking, since gluten-free pasta can become mushy.

Can I sneak in extra veggies?

Absolutely. Baby spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli florets can be added during the last hour of cooking to keep them fresh and tender.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Try substituting coconut milk for heavy cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nut-based parmesan substitutes can work as well, though the classic flavor will be milder.