Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting slow cooker meal that combines tender chicken, garlic, rich Parmesan cheese, and penne pasta in a luscious sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, this one-pot dish requires minimal prep and hands-off cooking, delivering a flavorful and satisfying pasta meal with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Produce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pantry
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Garlic: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the slow cooker along with minced garlic to build the foundational flavor.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken. Add the dry penne pasta evenly on top, but do not stir—it will cook perfectly as the slow cooker heats.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender, absorbing the savory broth and cream.
- Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with forks, then return them to the pot. Stir in the butter and the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Final Stir and Serve: Give everything a good stir to combine all the elements, then serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
- Check the pasta at 3 hours to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Do not stir pasta before cooking to allow even cooking in the slow cooker.
- Adding butter at the end enriches the sauce for a silky texture.
- Season chicken and garlic first to layer flavors throughout the cooking process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, slow cooker chicken recipe, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food pasta