Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hands-off dinner that packs flavorful punch, this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this one comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, giving you tender shredded chicken bathed in creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce—perfectly tossed with pasta so each bite bursts with richness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat for busy weeknights or casual weekends alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in building that classic creamy garlic parmesan flavor we all crave. I like to pick quality cheese and sauce to keep this recipe tasting just right every time.

• Rotini pasta: I prefer rotini because its twists hold onto the sauce beautifully for every bite.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to shred and absorb all those garlicky, cheesy flavors.
• Cream cheese: Adds velvety richness to the sauce; cut it into chunks to help it melt evenly in the crock pot.
• Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred, this is where the recipe gets its aromatic punch.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has so much more flavor than pre-grated powders.
• Garlic parmesan sauce: I used Buffalo Wild Wings’ version, but any good-quality garlic parmesan sauce works well here.
• Heavy cream: Adds an extra layer of creaminess that ties everything together once the chicken is shredded.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by tweaking it slightly based on what we have on hand or what my family’s craving that day. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and mix-ins!

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes gives a sweet-tart kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Crumbled Bacon: I once tossed in crispy bacon for an smoky depth that made this an instant crowd-pleaser in my house.
• Substitute Pasta: For gluten-free, try using your favorite GF pasta—just cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.
• Vegetable Boost: Throw in some spinach or mushrooms near the end to add freshness and texture.

How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your 6-quart crock pot. I learned that putting the chicken on the bottom helps it cook evenly since it’s closer to the heat source. Next, scatter cream cheese pieces, minced garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan right over the chicken. Finally, pour the garlic parmesan sauce on top, making sure everything is nicely coated before you pop the lid on.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Set your crock pot to high for about 2½ to 3½ hours or low for 4½ to 5½ hours. This timing gives you perfectly tender chicken that’s easy to shred with two forks. Don’t rush this part; I’ve found that cooking times really matter for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Stir in Heavy Cream

Once the chicken’s cooked, remove it carefully and shred it right in the kitchen—you’ll want those tender strands soaking up the creamy sauce. Add the shredded chicken back to the crock pot with the heavy cream and give everything a good stir until it’s well combined and luscious.

Step 4: Cook Pasta & Combine

Cook your rotini pasta until al dente, following package instructions closely (trust me, slightly undercooking is better here). Drain the pasta and fold it into the crock pot mixture, stirring gently so every noodle gets coated with that irresistible garlic parmesan sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to bring some brightness and color. Then dig in! This recipe is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but leftovers are still pretty darn good (more on that later).

How to Serve Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh chopped parsley because it adds a pop of vibrant color and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I swap in fresh basil for a slightly different but equally fresh flavor profile. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this pasta are simple yet fresh, like a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully—so if you’re feeling indulgent, don’t skip it! A light veggie like roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach balances out the creamy pasta nicely too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra Parmesan and baked for a few minutes under the broiler to get a golden crust on top. It feels fancy but is unbelievably simple—guests always love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container in the fridge and stay good for 3 to 4 days. I like to separate extra sauce from pasta if possible so the noodles don’t get too soggy overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, but I recommend freezing the shredded chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. That way, when you thaw and reheat, your noodles can stay al dente without getting mushy. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but warming slowly prevents breaking the creamy texture or drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special spot in my dinner rotation because it’s incredibly easy, fantastically flavorful, and everyone in my family goes crazy for it. I love how hands-off it is—giving me a break in the kitchen without sacrificing any taste. If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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