If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s both comforting and downright delicious with minimal effort, you’re going to absolutely adore this Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together with hardly any hands-on cooking—perfect for busy days or cozy dinners. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become a weekly staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Convenience: Just toss ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it—no babysitting needed.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The parmesan garlic sauce combined with cream cheese creates an indulgent pasta sauce that everyone raves about.
- Shredded Chicken Perfection: Slow cooking makes the chicken so tender you can shred it effortlessly right before serving.
- Meal Flexibility: Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep—you can customize it with your favorite pasta or seasonings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably already love and have on hand. The Parmesan garlic sauce is really the hero here, combining creamy richness and bold flavor effortlessly. When shopping, look for a high-quality sauce to really boost the taste.

- Parmesan garlic sauce: Grab a creamy, flavorful jarred sauce—this saves tons of time and adds great depth.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I prefer chicken breasts for this recipe because they stay tender and shred beautifully after slow cooking.
- Cream cheese: Adding cream cheese brings that velvety texture everyone goes crazy for.
- Parmesan cheese: A little extra sprinkle adds a punch of cheesy flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Dry pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti works well once cooked and mixed in.
- Parsley and red pepper flakes: These simple garnishes add freshness and just enough kick to keep things interesting.
Variations
I love playing around with this Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe, and honestly, it’s pretty forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. You can switch up the pasta, add veggies, or tweak the seasonings.
- Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes during the last hour to sneak in some greens and extra flavor.
- Use Different Cheeses: For a twist, I’ve swapped cream cheese for ricotta or even stirred in some mozzarella at the end for a gooey finish.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce pack some punch.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep this dish lower in carbs but still satisfying.
How to Make Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot and Chicken
First things first, spray your crockpot with some non-stick cooking spray. This simple step saves you from a sticky mess later when you’re cleaning up. Then, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of the crockpot—lay them out evenly so they cook consistently. This step sets the foundation for tender, juicy chicken that’s easy to shred.
Step 2: Add Sauces and Cheeses
Pour the entire jar of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken, then add your cream cheese pieces and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Don’t worry about stirring everything yet; the slow cooker will work its magic infusing all those flavors together. The cream cheese melts down and makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually choose low and let it cook while I’m at work or out running errands because the chicken turns out incredibly tender without drying out. You’ll want to avoid overcooking, so aim for the lower end of the time range if your chicken breasts are on the smaller side.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Mix It Up
Once your chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot—this makes it super easy. Stir everything well so the shredded chicken is fully coated in that rich parmesan garlic sauce.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine
Cook your dry pasta according to the package instructions, drain it, and then add it to the crockpot. Stir gently to mix the pasta with the chicken and sauce. This is when the dish really comes together—the pasta soaks up the flavors, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle on some fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a little heat. I love how these simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, giving it that homemade touch.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Use Even-Sized Chicken Breasts: I learned the hard way that uneven pieces cook inconsistently—try to pick similar-sized breasts to avoid dry or undercooked chicken.
- Don’t Skip the Non-Stick Spray: It makes shredding and cleaning your crockpot way easier; trust me, it’s a game changer.
- Add Pasta Last: Cooking pasta directly in the crockpot can get mushy—cooking it separately and mixing it in keeps the texture just right.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: Shredding the chicken immediately after cooking lets it soak up all the sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes
I usually stick with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes—it brightens up the creamy dish and adds just a bit of heat. Sometimes for special occasions, I grate extra Parmesan right on top for that authentic Italian touch.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides with this recipe are a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The freshness balances the richness of the pasta perfectly. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs amazingly well to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for guests, I like to place the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with extra herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. Setting the table with fresh flowers and candlelight turns this simple crockpot meal into a dinner to remember without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I packed lunches, the creamy sauce keeps the pasta moist, but if you find it drying out, just stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is totally doable, though I recommend freezing it without the pasta to avoid texture changes. Freeze the chicken and sauce mixture in a container, and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve—it tastes just like freshly made!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stirring occasionally helps keep everything creamy and delicious, almost like it just came off the stove!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe and tend to stay even more tender and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed—thighs can sometimes cook faster in a crockpot, so check for doneness around 4-5 hours on low.
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What type of pasta works best for this dish?
I’ve had great success with short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowtie because they hold onto the sauce nicely, but you can really use any pasta you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente before mixing so it doesn’t overcook in the crockpot.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe is naturally heavy on the dairy, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and vegan parmesan alternatives. For the chicken, swap with tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute and use a vegan parmesan garlic sauce if you can find one.
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How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
I always cook the pasta separately and add it to the crockpot at the very end to avoid mushiness. Since the chicken sauce is quite saucy, the pasta finishes absorbing flavors without becoming overcooked.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that feels special without taking hours or tons of effort. I love it because it’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or prepping for leftovers. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dinner, give this a try—you’ll be hooked on how cozy and flavorful it is, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to crockpot dinners too!
Print
Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta that combines tender slow-cooked chicken with rich Parmesan and garlic sauce, perfectly paired with pasta for an effortless and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pasta and Garnish
- 10 ounces dry pasta, cooked and drained
- Parsley, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the entire 12-ounce bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Cheeses: Distribute the cream cheese pieces and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce to add creamy richness.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce thoroughly.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking or just before serving, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Combine and Garnish: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir well to combine, then garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a hint of spice. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but add it at the end to prevent curdling.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg

