Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy Recipe!)

Weeknights can be hectic, and finding a dinner that everyone will love can feel like a challenge. If you’re craving something comforting and easy, look no further! This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate solution for busy families. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your evening. Get ready to discover how to make a delicious slow cooker pasta dish with a simple twist that takes the flavor to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just an easy meal; it’s a flavor explosion with a secret ingredient! The addition of Italian seasoning blend transforms this dish into something truly special.

Italian Seasoning Magic: The Italian seasoning enhances the garlic parmesan sauce, adding depth and complexity with savory and aromatic notes. It’s a simple addition that elevates the entire dish.

Easy and Convenient: With minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.

Family-Friendly: This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Meal Prep Made Easy: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or batch cooking, ensuring you have delicious leftovers for lunch or another dinner. If you are looking for a great side dish, consider a classic 7 layer salad.

Ingredients Needed

• 12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces cream cheese, (cut into pieces)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, (grated)
• 10 ounces dry pasta, (cooked and drained)
• parsley and red pepper flakes, (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Parmesan Garlic Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade parmesan garlic sauce. If using store-bought, look for brands with a flavor intensity you prefer. I sometimes find Classico Alfredo Parmesan to be a good base.

Chicken: For a juicier, more tender option, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. You can even use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding an extra hour or two.

Cream Cheese: It’s important to use room-temperature cream cheese to prevent curdling. Full-fat cream cheese will give you the best results, but you can use a lower-fat version if you prefer. Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives may also work, though the texture might be slightly different. You can learn more about the nutrition and health benefits of cream cheese on WebMD.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has a stronger flavor than pre-grated parmesan. I always recommend grating your own for the best flavor!

Pasta: Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta is a great option if you have dietary restrictions. We have a great vegetarian pasta salad recipe if you need to use up leftover pasta.

Italian Seasoning: A typical Italian seasoning blend includes rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and marjoram. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano and basil will work in a pinch. To understand the ingredients better, you can explore what constitutes Italian seasoning on Simply Recipes.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is so simple to make! Here’s how:

Get Started

Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. The aroma of the spray always reminds me of starting a new, easy recipe!

Layer the Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken. Then, add the cream cheese and parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce. Cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes for easier melting.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with a delicious, savory aroma. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.

Shred and Mix

Shred the chicken before serving and stir it to mix into the sauce. Be sure to get every last bit of that delicious parmesan garlic sauce mixed in with the shredded chicken. Also, add chicken broth to the parmesan garlic sauce bottle to get every last bit of sauce.

Combine with Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine. The creamy sauce will coat the pasta beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pasta: Avoiding Mushiness

Pasta can sometimes get mushy in the slow cooker if it’s overcooked or absorbs too much liquid. Here are some tips to prevent that:

Cook the pasta al dente before adding it to the crockpot. This means cooking it until it’s slightly firm to the bite.

Add the cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This prevents it from sitting in the sauce for too long and becoming mushy.

Use pasta shapes that hold their shape well, such as penne or rotini.

Can I Cook Pasta Directly in the Crockpot?

Yes, you can cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce! This method requires more monitoring to prevent mushiness.

To cook pasta in the crockpot, use about 4 cups of liquid (a mix of chicken broth and water) for every 10 ounces of pasta. Add the pasta to the crockpot during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Be sure to check the pasta frequently and stop cooking when it’s al dente. For the best results, reference the tips above for perfect pasta.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

Add chicken broth to the bottle of Garlic Parmesan to shake it all out and get every last bit of flavor.

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the crockpot to prevent curdling.

Add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a slightly thinner sauce.

Don’t overcook the chicken; use a thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C).

Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, adding salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt can really bring out the flavors.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out.

Don’t skip the Italian seasoning! It’s the secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Parmesan flavor can be overwhelming; adjust sauce quantity to taste. If you’re sensitive to strong flavors, start with less sauce and add more as needed.

Cream cheese may curdle if added cold, so allow it to come to room temperature.

Overcooking the pasta will result in mushy pasta.

Using too much parmesan cheese can make the dish too salty.

Not shredding the chicken thoroughly can leave you with large, uneven pieces.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

Serve this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with steamed broccoli or a side salad for a complete meal.

Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serve with garlic bread or crackers to soak up all that delicious sauce.

It also pairs well with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

You can freeze this dish, but the pasta texture may change after freezing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

To make this dish ahead of time, cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the chicken and sauce.

If you enjoyed this dish, you might enjoy other crockpot chicken recipes.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect easy, flavorful, and family-friendly meal for busy weeknights. The addition of Italian seasoning takes the flavor to a whole new level, creating a truly unforgettable dish. Even if you’re a beginner cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to try variations or serving ideas to make it your own. Print the recipe, share it with your friends, or explore other delicious crockpot recipes on our site!

FAQ

Q: What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

A: Pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle, work best. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option if needed.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more tender result. The cooking time remains the same.

Q: How do I prevent the cream cheese from curdling?

A: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the crockpot. Cutting it into smaller pieces also helps it melt more evenly.

Q: What can I substitute for parmesan garlic sauce if I don’t have any?

A: You can use Alfredo sauce and add extra garlic and parmesan cheese to taste. Alternatively, you can make your own parmesan garlic sauce from scratch.

Q: How long can I store leftovers, and how should I reheat them?

A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A: Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables are great additions to this dish. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent them from becoming overcooked.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding an extra hour or two.

Q: Can I cook the pasta in the crockpot?

A: Yes, you can cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce! Use about 4 cups of liquid (a mix of chicken broth and water) for every 10 ounces of pasta. Add the pasta to the crockpot during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time, stirring occasionally.

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