Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Recipe You Must Try

Throwing together a Crockpot, garlic, and Parmesan chicken pasta is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want a hearty, delicious home cooked meal. With this easy slow cooker recipes blog post, I’ll walk through adding the main ingredients to your Crockpot in the beginning then setting it and forgetting it until dinnertime. 

With boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into pieces for easy shredding later, a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce made from ingredients like cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor, and penne pasta cooked until almost done to throw in at the end, this tasty and easy combo of chicken, pasta and sauce is sure to satisfy any cravings. Even picky eaters will love this flavorful mixture that becomes so full of flavor after simmering away on low, slow heat for hours in the crockpot. Setting up couldn’t be simpler, and you’ll have a hearty, delicious meal ready to make and enjoy without having to spend too much time in the kitchen on busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta has something to appeal to many different taste preferences. 

• For garlic lovers, the generous quantity of garlic in the creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce will not disappoint. Simmered together on low heat in the slow cooker, the tangy, spicy flavors of garlic and Parmesan meld into a unique, delicious flavor profile unlike any other.
• The convenience of being able to throw all the ingredients into the crockpot and then forget about it until dinnertime makes this dish a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. With no hands-on cooking required once it’s in the pot, you can have a flavorful meal ready with minimal time spent in the kitchen.
• The tender chicken incredible absorbs the flavors of the sauce as it simmers away, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Juicy from the sauces yet still tender, the chicken is delicious whether shredded or cut into chunks.
• While the recipe specifies a Buffalo Wild Wings style garlic Parmesan sauce, there is plenty of room for customization to individual taste preferences. Adjust the spice level from mild to hot by adding extra garlic or Buffalo sauce. Additional vegetables or seasonings can also be added to tailor the dish.
• Pasta dishes have a comfort food appeal that evokes feelings of satisfaction. This recipe is no exception, with its combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce and al dente pasta. It’s the perfect comforting meal to enjoy on a cozy evening at home.
• The bold yet satisfying flavors and textures are sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Guests will leave wanting seconds of this impressive dish that’s a guaranteed favorite for all.

Ingredients You’ll Need: 

This easy-to-make dish features juicy chicken in a velvety Parmesan garlic sauce – a handful of delightful ingredients that come together to create a truly mouthwatering family favorite meal. Here’s a lineup of the key items needed:

1. Parmesan Garlic Sauce: This rich combo of Parmesan cheese and garlicky goodness amps up the flavor in both the chicken and pasta. You’ll want to lick the plate!
2. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The chicken soaks up the tasty sauce while cooking to become super tender and delicious. You can also use chicken thighs instead.
3. Cream Cheese: This brings the creamy goodness that takes the Parmesan garlic chicken pasta to the next level, melting perfectly into the sauce for extra richness.
4. Grated Parmesan Cheese: The cheesy goodness of Parmesan brings the whole dish together. Be generous and use freshly grated – it will melt better and taste better than prepackaged.
5. Dry Pasta: A perfect partner to the chicken and sauce, soaking up the amazing flavors. Corkscrew pasta or penne are both great options to hold onto the sauce.
6. Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes: These little extras add pops of color, freshness and flair. Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for spicy touches, or go herbaceous with parsley.

Refer to the full recipe card for exact measurements and more details. You’ll be making this new family favorite in no time!

Can I Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Instead?

Yes, you can certainly use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts for this slow cooker recipe. In fact, chicken thighs may be a better option since they tend not to dry out as easily as chicken breasts often do when cooked in a slow cooker.

The extra fat content in thighs helps keep them moist and prevents them from becoming dry and overcooked over long simmering times. You don’t need to add any extra oil or grease to the crockpot when using thighs versus breasts. Just trim away any excess fat or weird cartilaginous or veiny pieces from the boneless skinless chicken thighs before making the recipe as directed. The final product will be just as flavorful and satisfying.

What Garlic Parmesan Sauce Is Best To Use?

There are several brands of bottled creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that can be found in the barbecue sauces and salad dressing aisles of most grocery stores. Some popular national brands to look for include Buffalo Wild Wings, Great Value, and Sweet Baby Ray’s. I’ve also seen larger bottles of Parmesan cream sauces that would work well for making a creamier garlic Parmesan pasta dish.

For this slow cooker recipe, I suggest opting for one of the larger 16 ounce bottles of Parmesan cream sauce rather than a smaller 8 ounce bottled garlic Parmesan sauce. The cream-based sauce will help keep the chicken tender and moist through the long simmer. Plus, there will be plenty of sauce leftover to toss with the pasta at serving time for a rich, delicious dish.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Carmen FoodieCourse: PastaCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours 

Calories

1160

kcal

Total time

3

hours 

10

minutes

This hearty chicken pasta recipe is the perfect comfort food to warm up your evenings. Simply toss the chicken, pasta, tomatoes and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce together in the slow cooker for a satisfying one-pot meal. The long simmer allows the flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in fall-off-the-bone chicken and pasta bathed in a rich, savory sauce. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner to come home to on a cold night.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 (16 oz) bottle store-bought creamy Parmesan garlic pasta sauce

• 1/4 cup milk

• 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, farfalle or ziti)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Making the homemade Parmesan garlic sauce is simple – just whisk together the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This is what makes the chicken and pasta so tender, juicy and full of flavor after cooking all day in the slow cooker.
• Coat the bottom of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add chicken breasts (or thighs) and season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika and Italian seasoning.
• Pour the entire bottle of store-bought Parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken, adding a splash of milk to get all the remaining sauce out of the bottle. Spread it evenly over the top.
• For extra strong garlic flavor, I recommend starting with 3–4 cloves of minced garlic on top before adding the layer of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente or softer if preferred. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta.
• Stir the cooked pasta into the Parmesan chicken mixture in the slow cooker, making sure to coat it well. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

Notes

• Storage Tips: Place any leftover Parmesan garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze a meal, we recommend leaving out the pasta, as its texture and taste can become altered when frozen. Freeze just the chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Tips: Microwaving individual portions is an easy way to reheat leftovers. Place pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute. Pasta can dry out when reheated in the microwave. To prevent this, drizzle additional garlic parmesan sauce over the pasta before microwaving.
• Serving Ideas: A side salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of the pasta dish. The fresh vegetables in the salad help balance and cut through the fattiness of the sauce, making it a ideal companion to the comfort meal.

Tips and Tricks

1. Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees before shredding.
2. For extra flavor, feel free to amp up the garlic even more by adding minced or roasted garlic, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. You can also make it spicier with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
3. To avoid curdling, be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the hot crockpot contents.
4. Ensure there is enough of the garlic Parmesan sauce to completely coat the pieces of chicken after assembling everything in the crockpot – it may need more sauce added.
5. If the finished dish tastes too salty, cut back on the amount of salt used to season the chicken. Or omit adding salt and season to taste after the dish is cooked.
6. Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses will melt better than pre-shredded cheese.
7. The sauce may thicken up considerably after storing leftovers in the refrigerator. Thin it out with a little milk or heavy cream when reheating.

What to Serve With Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Any of these classic side dishes serve to round out the comforting flavors and textures of the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken slow cooker:

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: A warm, crusty exterior paired with a soft, buttery interior is the perfect way to sop up any remaining creamy sauce from the pasta dish.

Side Salad: Prepare a fresh salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and a light tangy vinaigrette dressing. This provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.

Steamed Broccoli: Steaming vibrant green broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp makes for a simple, nutritious side dish that pairs well with the creamy pasta.

Caesar Salad: For those who enjoy classic Caesar salad, it’s a perfect complement with fresh romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Adding crunchy gluten-free croutons provides extra texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Use boneless chicken thighs for an even juicier, more tender result.
2. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165 degrees.
3. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prefer a slightly thinner sauce. Or use milk for a thicker sauce, reducing extra liquid before adding the cream cheese.
4. Mix in homemade Alfredo sauce for a creamy, indulgent alternative.
5. If the cooked pasta is too thick, reserve some of the pasta water to thin it out. Chicken broth also works.
6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to bring more heat.
7. Grate fresh lemon zest onto pasta and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to sauce to brighten flavors.
8. For vegetarians, omit chicken and use vegetable broth instead. The creamy sauce is delicious on its own.
9. Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
10. To reduce carbs, eliminate the pasta and serve the Parmesan garlic chicken over noodles or a big pile of broccoli.
11. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add additional layers of flavor and texture.
12. Sauté mushrooms and add them in at the end for a meatier texture and delicious earthy flavor.
13. Lighten it up using low-fat cream cheese and 2% milk to save calories and fat.
14. Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta stove top – The garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is typically made in a slow cooker, but it can easily be prepared on the stove top by simmering all the ingredients in a large skillet. 
15. For a lighter take on the recipe, omit the cream cheese and make a simple garlic butter sauce instead to coat the chicken and pasta in the slow cooker. Slow cooker chicken pasta with no cream is perfect for those wanting all the flavor without the cream.

How to Store and Freeze Leftovers?

This dish reheats really well, so leftovers are perfect for a cheesy, hearty lunch that’s ready in a snap.

1. Refrigerator: Place any leftover Parmesan garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezer: To freeze a meal, we recommend leaving out the pasta, as its texture and taste can become altered when frozen. Freeze just the chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months.

To prepare frozen Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then warm it through on the stove top, in the crockpot, or microwave. Prepare the pasta separately and mix everything together – you may need a little extra milk or heavy cream to thin out the sauce from frozen.

How to Reheat Leftovers?

One easy way to reheat individual portions of leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is in the microwave. Place the leftover pasta into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 1 minute. This should be enough time to warm the pasta through. However, pasta has a tendency to dry out when reheated in the microwave.

To prevent this from happening and keep the pasta moist, be sure to drizzle some additional garlic Parmesan sauce over the top before replacing the bowl in the microwave for the final minute of reheating. The sauce will enrich and hydrate the pasta while it’s warming up. Give the bowl a gentle toss once reheated to evenly coat the pasta with the warm, silky sauce. The drizzle of sauce is key to locking in the pasta’s soft texture and preserving its saucy flavor when reheating leftovers of this cheesy crockpot pasta dish in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chicken pasta dish brings comfort food to the table with minimal effort. The aromatic blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese and tomatoes comes together beautifully in the crockpot for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe delivers big on flavor without taking up too much time in the kitchen. With tips for customizing ingredients and cooking times, even the novice slow cooker cook can achieve pasta perfection using this easy crockpot recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it OK to put raw chicken in a slow cooker? 

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to add raw chicken directly to the slow cooker. The long, slow cooking process at high/low temperatures ensures the internal temperature reaches 165F to kill any bacteria.

Do I need to brown the chicken before it goes in the crockpot?

Browning is not necessary for food safety reasons, but it can add extra flavor by developing browning on the exterior. If short on time, you can skip this step and the chicken will still come out tender after a long braise.

Can I use frozen chicken? 

Yes, frozen chicken breasts or thighs can be used with no need to thaw first. Cooking time may need to increase by 1–2 hours on low to ensure the chicken cooks through fully. Make sure not to lift the lid during this extra time to retain heat.

Can you cook pasta in a slow cooker? 

Pasta can overcook and become mushy if left in the slow cooker for the full cooking time. It’s best to add raw or cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes – 1 hour of cooking so it doesn’t get too soft but absorbs the flavors.

Can you cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker? 

Frozen chicken will work, but may take 50% longer than fresh poultry. Keep the slow cooker on low and extend the time if needed to make sure the chicken reaches 165F throughout before shredding or slicing.

Is this garlic Parmesan chicken spicy? 

The recipe itself is generally quite mild. However, feel free to add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste if you want to increase the heat level to your liking.

Can I add vegetables to this chicken pasta?

Absolutely! Stirring in chopped vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, peppers or tomatoes with the pasta before serving adds nutrition and visual appeal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggie combos. For those avoiding dairy or looking for a lighter option, this homemade pasta salad allows you to enjoy the same satisfying flavors as the classic chicken pasta recipe.

Can I use a different type of pasta? 

You can substitute the pasta used. Shorter pasta shapes like penne, farfalle or rotini work especially well to hold onto the creamy sauce. Just about any dry pasta variety can be swapped in, though.