Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. I remember one particularly chaotic Wednesday—the kids had after-school activities, my work deadlines were piling up, and the thought of making dinner felt like climbing a mountain. That’s when my trusty slow cooker came to the rescue with this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I tossed everything in before lunch, and by dinnertime, the house smelled incredible, and a creamy, comforting meal was ready with almost zero effort. It was a lifesaver then, and it’s become a regular in our rotation ever since.

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate “set it and forget it” dinner for busy families, new cooks, or anyone craving cozy flavors without the fuss. Imagine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce all coming together in one pot. No standing over the stove, no complicated steps—just simple, satisfying goodness. If you love easy slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie for another comforting option.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Smart Swaps:
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend if needed. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. You can also add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Timing

– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Cook time: 4 hours on Low or 2 hours on High
– Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes

This recipe is about 30% faster than many traditional baked pasta dishes, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped onion over the chicken.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Start Cooking

Pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on Low for 3.5 hours or High for 1.5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot along with the parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta to the crockpot, pushing it down into the liquid. Cover and cook on High for another 20-30 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately according to package directions and stir it in during the last 10 minutes. This prevents it from becoming too soft.

Nutritional Information

– Calories: 480 per serving
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 32g
– Fat: 22g
– Key Nutrients: Calcium from parmesan, protein from chicken, and energy from pasta.

This easy crockpot chicken pasta recipe provides a balanced meal with plenty of protein to keep you full and satisfied.

Equipment Needed

– 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot
– Small saucepan
– Whisk
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Two forks for shredding

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– **Minimal Effort:** Just dump ingredients and go—perfect for busy weeknights.
– **Creamy and Comforting:** The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, flavorful, and family-approved.
– **Versatile:** Easy to customize with your favorite pasta shapes, veggies, or proteins.
– **Feeds a Crowd:** Great for meal prep or serving a hungry family.
– **One Pot Wonder:** Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax.

If you’re a fan of creamy, slow-cooked chicken dishes, you’ll also love our Easiest Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to lighten things up? Try these simple swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.
• Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Add them in the last 20 minutes to keep their texture.
• High-Protein: Increase the chicken amount or add a can of white beans for extra fiber and protein.

These tweaks keep the dish delicious while fitting various dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping
• Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
• A glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio

For a fun twist, serve it in individual bowls topped with extra parmesan and red pepper flakes. If you enjoy pasta-based slow cooker meals, check out our Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna for another family-friendly idea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– **Overcooking the Pasta:** Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Stick to the last 20-30 minutes of cook time.
– **Skipping the Roux:** Without the butter-flour mixture, your sauce may be thin. The roux helps it thicken perfectly.
– **Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan:** It often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly.
– **Not Seasoning Enough:** Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or garlic to your preference.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

– **Refrigerator:** Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– **Freezer:** This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
– **Reheating:** Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creaminess.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe—it’s a reliable, delicious solution for those nights when you need comfort without the complication. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and effortless preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.

I’d love to hear how your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share your photos with @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest. If you’re craving more garlic parmesan goodness, try our Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for your next cookout. Happy cooking

FAQs about Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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