Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
Imagine a dinner that’s rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting, yet so effortlessly simple to prepare. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is precisely that dream meal brought to life. Crafted with minimal effort right in your slow cooker, it delivers a tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a luscious, savory garlic parmesan sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a cozy, fuss-free experience designed for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without sacrificing hours in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate comfort food that promises bold flavors and a stress-free cooking journey, making it an irresistible addition to your recipe rotation.
For those seeking a delectable, time-saving dinner solution, this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is an absolute game-changer. The slow cooker takes on all the heavy lifting, allowing the succulent chicken to slowly absorb every ounce of flavor from the rich, garlic-infused, creamy sauce. The result is a truly hands-off masterpiece that tastes as though it’s been simmering on the stove for an entire day, deepening in complexity and tenderness. It fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, setting the stage for a delightful meal without any last-minute rush.
One of the most appealing aspects of this slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s a canvas for your culinary creativity! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or adjust the spice level to perfectly match your family’s preferences. It’s an excellent choice for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply ensuring plenty of delicious leftovers. Speaking of leftovers, they reheat beautifully, retaining their creamy texture and robust flavor, making meal prep for the week a breeze. To complete this hearty pasta dish, we highly recommend serving it alongside complementary side dishes such as Maple Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts, wholesome Baked Oven Sweet Potatoes, or freshly baked Overnight Rise Sourdough Bread for dipping into that glorious sauce.
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Why You Will Adore This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Effortless 5-Ingredient Magic: Beyond its incredible taste, this creamy pasta dish stands out for its simplicity. With just five core ingredients, you can conjure up a delicious and satisfying meal without an overwhelming grocery list or complex prep work. This makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- The Ultimate Slow Cooker Sensation: The beauty of this recipe lies in its “set it and forget it” nature. Simply combine your ingredients in the crockpot, set it to low, and let it slowly transform while you tackle other tasks, relax, or enjoy your evening. The slow cooking process ensures maximum flavor infusion and perfectly tender chicken every time.
- A Family Favorite That Kids Devour: This rich, savory, and wonderfully creamy dish is a consistent hit with children. They adore the smooth sauce and the perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken, making it a reliable meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Expect clean plates and requests for seconds!
- Perfect for Meal Prep and Batch Cooking: Planning ahead is easy with this recipe. Its robust flavors and creamy texture hold up wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for doubling or tripling when feeding a larger group or stocking your freezer.
- Incredibly Versatile for Customization: While perfect as is, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary imagination. Add extra vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or introduce a touch of heat to truly make it your own.
- Budget-Friendly and Wholesome: Using common, affordable ingredients, this crockpot chicken pasta is kind to your wallet. It’s a comforting, filling meal that provides excellent value, ensuring a hearty and wholesome dinner for the entire family without breaking the bank.
Ingredient Essentials and Clever Substitutions
- Chicken: For the best results in this slow cooker chicken pasta, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook up tender and absorb the sauce beautifully. If preferred, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even richer flavor and slightly more forgiving cooking time.
- Parmesan Garlic Sauce: This is the hero ingredient that gives our dish its signature flavor. You can find excellent bottled versions at most local grocery stores; popular brands include Buffalo Wild Wings, Sweet Baby Ray’s, and Kinder’s. For a homemade touch, consider our classic béchamel cheese sauce as a base, then infuse it generously with garlic and parmesan.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is crucial for achieving that wonderfully thick, luxurious, and stable creamy sauce. We strongly advise against using low-fat or fat-free varieties, as they tend to break down and become watery or grainy during the long cooking process, compromising the texture and richness of your garlic parmesan pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a distinct nutty, salty depth of flavor. While pre-grated parmesan is convenient, grating it yourself from a block will always offer a superior taste and texture.
- Fettuccine Pasta: The wide, flat ribbons of fettuccine are perfect for clinging to the rich, creamy sauce. Cook your pasta al dente according to the package directions just before serving to ensure it retains a pleasant bite and doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce. Other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would also work beautifully.
- Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t forget this secret ingredient! A small amount of the starchy water from cooking your pasta helps to emulsify and thin the sauce to the perfect consistency, making it glossy and ensuring it clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.
Recipe Variations for Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Homemade Creamy Garlic Sauce: Elevate your dish by skipping the bottled sauce and crafting your own. Sauté minced garlic in butter and olive oil, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, a splash of heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano. Simmer until thickened for an incredibly rich, from-scratch flavor that truly shines.
- Veggie-Packed Power-Up: Boost the nutritional value and add vibrant color by stirring in your favorite vegetables. Chopped broccoli florets, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), or sliced mushrooms are excellent choices. Add them during the last 30 to 60 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
- Smoky-Spiced Chicken Sensation: For an extra layer of robust flavor, rub the chicken breasts with a blend of smoked paprika, dried thyme, a hint of onion powder, and a touch more garlic powder before placing them in the slow cooker. This infuses the chicken with a wonderful smoky aroma that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Extra Cheesy and Melty Indulgence: If you’re a true cheese lover, consider adding more cheese! Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella, provolone, or an extra half-cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce just before serving. This creates an ultra-smooth, gooey, and indulgent finish that takes the creaminess to another level.
- A Touch of Heat: For those who enjoy a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the other ingredients. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spice.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The star of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking and tender results. Any standard 6-quart slow cooker will work perfectly.
- Digital Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking and drying it out.
- Whisk: Essential for smoothing out the creamy sauce after the chicken is removed and for incorporating the reserved pasta water.
- Aluminum Foil: Used for tenting the chicken after cooking, allowing it to rest and reabsorb its juices, resulting in more tender and succulent meat.
- Large Pot for Pasta: For cooking your fettuccine to al dente perfection.
- Colander: To drain your cooked pasta.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Effortless Initial Setup in the Crockpot: This recipe starts with incredible ease! To begin, ensure your slow cooker is ready. You can either line the inside of your crockpot with a slow cooker liner for super easy cleanup or simply spray the bottom and sides generously with a non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze. Then, arrange your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared pot. This helps them cook evenly.
- Layering the Flavors and Slow Cooking to Perfection: Next, pour the entire bottle of luscious Parmesan garlic sauce directly over the chicken breasts. This ensures every piece gets thoroughly coated and infused with that irresistible garlic-parmesan goodness. Distribute the cubes of full-fat cream cheese evenly on top, as they will slowly melt and create the rich, creamy base for your sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over everything. Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours. Always use a digital instant-read thermometer to verify that the chicken breasts have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165ºF (74°C). This is crucial for food safety and ensures perfectly cooked, tender chicken.
- Resting the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a clean serving platter. The secret to exceptionally juicy and tender chicken is allowing it to rest. Loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice it. While the chicken rests, you can proceed with preparing the sauce. We highly recommend using the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce in the initial step to ensure the creamiest, most flavorful result.
- Creating the Silky Sauce and Combining with Pasta: Now, let’s get saucy! While the chicken rests and the pasta cooks, return your attention to the slow cooker with the simmering sauce. Add about ½ cup of the reserved starchy pasta water to the sauce in the crockpot. Using a whisk, stir vigorously until the sauce is beautifully glossy and smooth, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. The pasta water helps to emulsify and bind the sauce, creating that perfect consistency that clings to the pasta. At this point, remove and set aside about one cup of this luscious sauce; this will be used for drizzling over the sliced chicken later.
- Coating the Pasta and Final Assembly: Once your fettuccine pasta is cooked al dente and drained, add it directly into the slow cooker with the remaining creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly until every strand of pasta is wonderfully coated and glistening with the rich sauce. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Now, slice the rested chicken breasts into your desired thickness – whether thin strips or larger pieces. Arrange the sliced chicken alongside or on top of the pasta. Drizzle the reserved cup of sauce generously over the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s as flavorful and moist as possible. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Your incredible garlic parmesan chicken and pasta is now ready to serve and enjoy!
🎯 TFN Pro Tip for Perfect Chicken
Always cook this garlic parmesan chicken and pasta recipe on the low setting in your slow cooker. Chicken breasts are naturally low in fat and can dry out very quickly when subjected to higher, faster cooking temperatures. Using a lower temperature ensures a slower, more gentle cook, which is key to keeping your chicken meat incredibly moist, tender, and juicy throughout the process.
Serving Suggestions
This irresistible crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs exquisitely with a diverse range of side dishes and beverages, making it perfect for any occasion. To beautifully balance the rich, creamy flavors of the pasta, serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light, tangy vinaigrette. For the ultimate comfort food experience, warm garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks are absolutely essential – they’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delectable garlic parmesan sauce. If you’re looking to enhance the meal with more vegetables, consider roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, sautéed zucchini, or a medley of roasted bell peppers and mushrooms. To complement the creamy notes, a glass of crisp white wine (like a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay), freshly brewed iced tea, or refreshing lemon-infused water makes an excellent choice. For an elevated, restaurant-style presentation, don’t forget to garnish your finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Absolutely! This dish is wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or saving for a busy day. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and date the container, then freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
While we absolutely love using fettuccine for its ability to hold the creamy sauce so well, this is a very versatile dish! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Long pastas like linguine or spaghetti work great, and shorter shapes such as penne, rotini, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta) are also excellent choices, especially if you prefer smaller bites. Just be sure to cook your chosen pasta al dente!
If your dish seems mushy, the most common reason is that the pasta was overcooked. It’s crucial to cook your pasta only until it is al dente – meaning it’s firm to the bite – according to the package directions. It will continue to absorb some liquid from the sauce, so slightly undercooking it is better than overcooking. Ensure you drain the pasta well before tossing it with the chicken and sauce.
Store any leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This ensures its freshness and flavor. When you’re ready for another delightful bowl of this tasty dish, simply spoon your desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed all the way through. You may add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Yes, you can certainly use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe! However, you will need to adjust the cooking time. When cooking from frozen, increase the slow cooker time by an additional 1-2 hours on the low setting, or approximately 1 hour on high, to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use your instant-read thermometer to check.
If your sauce is too thick, gradually add a little more reserved pasta water (or chicken broth) a tablespoon at a time, whisking until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it gently on the stovetop for a few minutes (after removing the chicken and pasta) to reduce and thicken it, or stir in a small amount of a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) and cook until thickened.
More Easy Dinner Recipes To Love…
- Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms
- Classic Penne Pomodoro Recipe
- How to Cook the Perfect Steak on a Blackstone Griddle
- Hearty Swiss Steak Crock Pot Recipe
- Effortless Cube Steak in the Crock Pot
If you tried this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe or any other delightful recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means a lot! Thanks for stopping by!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Renae Gerhardstein
Slow-cooked and bursting with savory flavor, this garlic parmesan chicken and pasta recipe is your perfect solution for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners at home.
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- crock pot (slow cooker)
- Instant-read digital thermometer
- sheet of aluminum foil
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounce bottle Parmesan garlic sauce
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese cut into 8 cubes
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 16 ounces fettuccine pasta cooked and drained
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (from cooking the pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lining the inside with a slow cooker liner or by generously spraying the bottom and sides with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and aid in cleanup.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker pot, ensuring even cooking.
- Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce evenly over the chicken. Then, dot the surface with the cut cream cheese cubes and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 2 hours. Before proceeding, always use a digital instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches at least 165ºF (74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the chicken retain its juices, ensuring it remains moist and tender.
- While the chicken rests, add the reserved pasta water to the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Using a whisk, stir vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and glossy, with the cream cheese fully incorporated. Once smooth, ladle out approximately one cup of this sauce and set it aside for later drizzling.
- Add the cooked and drained fettuccine pasta directly into the slow cooker with the remaining sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated and glistening with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts into your desired pieces. Serve the saucy pasta topped with the sliced chicken, and generously drizzle the reserved sauce over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor and moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For the most tender and juicy chicken, always cook this recipe on the low setting in your slow cooker. Chicken breasts have low fat content and can dry out quickly at higher temperatures.
Ingredient Notes:
- Any cooked pasta can be substituted for the fettuccine, such as penne, rotini, or linguine.
- Avoid using low-fat or fat-free cream cheese in this recipe as it is more prone to breaking down or becoming watery during the slow cooking process, affecting the sauce’s texture.
Recipe Variations:
- Homemade creamy garlic sauce: For an elevated flavor, make your own sauce using butter, olive oil, flour, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a dash of oregano, simmering until rich and thick.
- Veggie-packed version: Enhance nutritional value and color by stirring in chopped broccoli, fresh spinach, or diced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Smoky-spiced chicken: Before slow cooking, rub the chicken with a blend of paprika, thyme, and a touch of garlic powder for a deeper, smoky flavor profile.
- Extra cheesy and melty: For an ultra-indulgent finish, mix shredded mozzarella or an additional handful of grated Parmesan into the sauce before serving.
Storing Instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore consistency.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, labeling with the date. Use within 3 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.