This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything you love in a comforting meal, made easier. The tender shredded chicken soaks up all the garlicky goodness, while the melted cheeses wrap the pasta in a creamy embrace. It’s a warm, indulgent dish perfect for summer nights when you still crave hearty food without heating up the kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers full-on flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish to make your summer cooking stress-free and delicious. Creamy, cheesy, and laced with garlic, it’s a crowd-pleaser from the first bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Lightly grease your slow cooker with olive oil or spray.
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Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
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Sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in the chicken broth and cover.
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Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Remove chicken and shred it using two forks.
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Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
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Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dry pasta, and mozzarella. Stir well to combine.
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Cover and cook on high for another 30–40 minutes, or until pasta is cooked to your liking.
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Stir again before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4–6 hours + 40 minutes | Total Time: ~6 hours
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 6 serving
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Classic Made Easy
When it comes to effortless comfort food that still feels indulgent and impressive, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta might just be your new favorite recipe. This dish checks all the boxes for busy families, home cooks, and pasta lovers alike. It’s rich and creamy, loaded with savory garlic flavor, and the kind of meal that delivers big results with minimal hands-on time.
In this article, we’re going beyond the typical recipe card. We’ll explore what makes this dish special, how it fits perfectly into a summer (or year-round!) meal plan, tips for elevating it even further, and how to tailor it to different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re a slow-cooking pro or just getting started with your crockpot, this is a dish you’ll want to bookmark and keep in your rotation.
Why We Love This Dish
There’s something undeniably cozy about the combination of garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken, all nestled in a creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, which is exactly why it has earned its place as a go-to comfort meal.
But what really sets this version apart is the crockpot. Instead of standing over a stove, watching sauces thicken and chicken cook, you toss a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker and let the magic happen while you go about your day. When you return hours later, you’re greeted with a mouthwatering aroma and a meal that tastes like you’ve been working on it for hours.
It’s a dinner win on every level delicious, dependable, and incredibly low-effort.
Garlic and Parmesan: A Timeless Flavor Combo
At the heart of this recipe are two ingredients that need no introduction: garlic and parmesan cheese. Garlic brings warmth and depth, while parmesan adds salty, nutty richness. When combined in a creamy base, they create a sauce that’s luxurious but never overwhelming.
What’s beautiful about this combination is its versatility. It’s familiar enough to please picky eaters and elegant enough for guests. It’s also endlessly adaptable you can use it as a base for veggies, different meats, or even as a sauce over zoodles or rice if you’re going low-carb.
A Perfect Fit for Summer Cooking
We often think of creamy dishes as strictly cold-weather fare, but this recipe breaks that rule in the best way. One of the biggest perks of crockpot cooking is that it keeps your kitchen cool. There’s no need to turn on the oven or stand over a hot stove, which is a lifesaver on sweltering summer days.
Plus, because it’s a “set it and forget it” kind of meal, you can throw everything together in the morning, head outside for some sunshine, and come back to dinner ready and waiting. It’s the kind of effortless cooking that lets you enjoy the season without sacrificing flavor.
This dish is also fantastic for summer potlucks or family gatherings. Just prep it in your slow cooker and take it with you it stays warm and creamy for hours, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Tips to Take It Up a Notch
Want to make this dish even more impressive? Here are a few expert-level tweaks and serving suggestions:
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Sear the chicken first – If you have a few extra minutes, searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot adds another layer of flavor thanks to caramelization.
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Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded parmesan and mozzarella work in a pinch, but freshly grated cheeses melt better and offer a more pronounced flavor.
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Stir in some greens – A handful of spinach or kale added during the last 15 minutes of cooking can add color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness that complements the creamy sauce.
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Top with breadcrumbs or crispy bacon – For a touch of texture, consider sprinkling crispy bacon or garlic-toasted breadcrumbs over the finished dish before serving.
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Use a pasta that holds sauce well – Penne and rotini are classic choices for this dish because their ridges and shape trap every bit of the delicious sauce.
Variations to Suit Every Taste
One of the reasons this dish is such a hit is its flexibility. With just a few swaps, you can tailor it to suit almost any diet or craving:
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Low-carb/keto – Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. The creamy garlic sauce works beautifully with either.
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Vegetarian – Replace the chicken with mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. You’ll still get plenty of umami from the parmesan and garlic.
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Spicy version – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a subtle kick of heat.
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Extra protein – Stir in cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or a handful of shrimp during the final minutes of cooking for a protein boost.
These variations allow the dish to grow with your family’s evolving tastes, dietary needs, or even the ingredients you already have on hand.
How It Fits Into a Busy Lifestyle
In the age of packed schedules and constant multitasking, it’s easy to fall into a rut of takeout or processed meals. But this recipe proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy real, satisfying food.
The prep is minimal less than 10 minutes in most cases and the slow cooker takes care of the rest. It’s ideal for busy professionals, parents managing the chaos of after-school activities, or anyone who wants more time and less stress during dinner hour.
Even better, the leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day. This makes it an ideal option for meal prep or easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Nutritional Considerations
Yes, this is a creamy, cheesy dish but it’s also surprisingly balanced. The chicken provides lean protein, while the parmesan and mozzarella offer calcium and fat to keep you satisfied. Pair it with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a full plate that covers all the bases.
If you’re watching calories or sodium, you can easily make a few adjustments use low-sodium broth, opt for reduced-fat dairy, or swap in whole grain pasta for extra fiber. Small changes like these can make the dish even more aligned with your health goals without compromising flavor.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those rare recipes that hits every sweet spot it’s comforting, convenient, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something easy for a weeknight meal, it delivers creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite.
It’s more than just another slow cooker recipe it’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that let simple ingredients shine and give you more time to enjoy the moments that matter.
So the next time you’re craving comfort food without the hassle, pull out your slow cooker, grab a few pantry staples, and let this dish work its magic. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can feel so satisfying.