Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Creamy, Comforting Dinner You Need Tonight

If you’re searching for an easy yet indulgent dinner idea that the whole family will love, look no further than Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This slow cooked classic brings together tender shredded chicken, rich garlic parmesan flavours, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one fuss-free, comforting dish.

Whether you’re prepping for a busy weekday or craving a hearty weekend treat, this meal ticks all the right boxes. Let’s dive into the full guide, recipe, and top tips to make this a staple in your slow cooker repertoire.

⭐ What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavour-packed pasta dish where chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Once tender, the chicken is shredded and tossed with cooked pasta, forming a rich and cheesy dish with deep garlicky notes. It’s the perfect combination of ease and indulgence.

🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Just dump, set, and forget until it’s time to shred and serve.
• Perfectly seasoned: The blend of garlic, herbs, and parmesan delivers restaurant-level flavour.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore this creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Versatile: Swap the pasta, adjust spice levels, or add veggies—customise to your taste.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting slow cooker dinner:

• 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken stock or broth
• 1 block (250g) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
• 300g uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• Extra parmesan for serving (optional)

🍝 How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot

Step 1: Layer Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the minced garlic, followed by chicken stock.

Step 2: Add Creamy Ingredients

Top the chicken with cubed cream cheese and sprinkle over the grated parmesan.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot. Stir everything to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Separately

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add it directly to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the pasta thoroughly.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

💡 Top Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Since it will soak up sauce, slightly undercook it for perfect texture.
• Use block cream cheese. It melts better and gives a smoother texture than spreadable versions.
• Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick after mixing in the pasta.

🥦 Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Make this dish your own with these tasty twists:

• Spinach or Kale: Add during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a bit of greenery.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat.
• Mushrooms or Peas: Add for a veggie boost.
• Bacon Bits: Stir in for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Works just as well—just watch the cook time.

🥡 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as cream cheese-based sauces can separate when frozen.
• To Reheat: Add a splash of milk or chicken broth and microwave or heat on the stovetop gently.

🇬🇧 UK Ingredient Swaps

• Use Philadelphia cream cheese or a supermarket’s own-brand full-fat soft cheese.
• Substitute single cream for a looser sauce if you prefer.
• Cheddar and parmesan blend also works well if you’re short on pure parmesan.

📌 Final Thoughts

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those timeless recipes that delivers maximum flavour with minimum effort. It’s ideal for lazy days, meal prep, or when you just want to treat yourself to a bowl of cheesy, garlicky goodness. Give it a try, and it might just become your new weeknight favourite.