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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Crockpot Recipe for Creamy Dinner

garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner made effortlessly in the crockpot. Tender chicken, rich parmesan, and a velvety sauce come together for a cozy meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, shells, or spaghetti; gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup frozen peas or spinach (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. If using frozen chicken, add an extra 30 minutes to cook time.
  2. Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.
  3. Pour in chicken broth.
  4. Dot chicken with cream cheese, broken into pieces.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to crockpot.
  7. Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  8. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions (8-10 minutes for al dente). Drain.
  9. Add cooked pasta to crockpot and toss gently until coated in sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm pasta water or extra broth.
  10. Stir in peas or spinach if using. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and garnish with parsley if desired.
  11. Serve hot in bowls or on a platter.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for best results. Cook pasta separately to avoid mushiness. For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives. Add veggies or swap pasta for low-carb options as desired. If sauce thickens, loosen with pasta water or broth. Leftovers keep well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, crockpot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal