Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we believe baking and cooking should be simple and enjoyable for everyone! This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe is a true weeknight hero. It’s incredibly easy to make, promises a creamy, flavorful result, and requires minimal effort for maximum taste. Get ready for a satisfying family meal with simple ingredients and big flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Busy parents and beginner cooks, rejoice! This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken pasta is designed with you in mind. You will adore this recipe for many reasons:

Minimal prep time required: Just a few minutes of effort gets dinner started.
“Set it and forget it” cooking: Your slow cooker handles most of the work for you.
Tender, juicy chicken every time: The slow cooking method ensures perfectly moist chicken.
Rich, cheesy, garlicky sauce: A flavor combination that everyone adores.
Perfect for picky eaters: This crowd-pleasing dish satisfies even the pickiest palates.
Satisfying family dinner: It’s a complete meal that feels comforting and homemade.

Ingredients

Making this delicious Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken starts with simple ingredients you can easily find. This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful, hearty dish with minimal fuss. Gather these items to begin your culinary adventure:

12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce: A store-bought sauce saves time and adds bold flavor.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing lean protein.
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces: Adds incredible creaminess and richness to the sauce.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the cheesy goodness.
10 ounces dry pasta, cooked and drained: Your favorite pasta shape works perfectly.
Parsley and red pepper flakes, for garnish: Optional, but adds freshness and a touch of heat.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this slow cooker chicken with garlic and Parmesan to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to breasts. They remain incredibly moist during slow cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger or smaller pieces.

For the best flavor and texture in your dishes, consider that freshly grated Parmesan cheese often outperforms pre-grated varieties which may contain anti-caking agents.

Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.
Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni are excellent choices. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
Parmesan Garlic Sauce: While a specific jarred sauce is convenient, you can create your own. Combine minced garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and a touch of cream. This allows you to control the garlic intensity.
Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the crockpot. This helps it melt smoothly and blend seamlessly into the sauce, preventing clumps.

Equipment

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this simple Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken pasta. A few kitchen essentials are all it takes to prepare this delightful meal.

Crockpot (slow cooker): The star appliance that does all the heavy lifting. A 6-quart or larger is ideal.
Large pot: Essential for boiling and cooking your chosen pasta shape separately.
Forks or shredding claws: Useful tools for effortlessly shredding the tender cooked chicken.
Whisk: Helpful for blending the sauce after shredding the chicken for a smooth consistency.

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken is straightforward, following these easy steps. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it perfect for busy days. Just layer your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the rest!

First, spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the prepared crockpot. This forms the base of your delicious slow cooker chicken pasta.

Now, pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce directly over the chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken is nicely coated with this flavorful sauce. Then, add the cream cheese pieces and the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce mixture. Distribute them relatively evenly.

Cover the crockpot with its lid securely. Cook your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken on the low setting for 5-6 hours or on the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become wonderfully tender and easy to shred.

One of the key benefits of slow cooking, as culinary experts often point out, is that this method helps keep chicken moist and tender, preventing it from drying out.

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid. Using two forks or shredding claws, shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken well to mix it into the rich, creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.

While the chicken cooks, prepare your pasta. Cook your chosen dry pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly. Add the cooked pasta directly to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce mixture.

Gently stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken sauce. Finally, garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, homemade meal!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect creamy garlic chicken is easy with these simple tips. They help ensure your dish is as delicious and foolproof as possible.

Soften Cream Cheese: Always allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding it. This ensures it melts smoothly and incorporates fully into the sauce, preventing any lumps.
Adjust Garlic Intensity: If you prefer less garlic, use a portion of the jarred Parmesan garlic sauce, perhaps 10 ounces, and supplement with chicken broth. For extra garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two of minced fresh garlic.
Prevent Mushy Pasta: Cook your pasta separately to al dente. Overcooking pasta in the crockpot can lead to a mushy texture. Add it at the very end to maintain its perfect bite.
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Slow cooking is forgiving, but don’t overcook the chicken for too long. Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy. Follow the suggested cook times for tender, juicy results.
Thicken Sauce if Desired: If your sauce seems too thin after stirring, create a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the hot sauce in the crockpot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high until thickened.

Serving & Storage

This comforting slow cooker chicken pasta is a fantastic meal on its own, but also pairs beautifully with various sides. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy delicious leftovers for days.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the amazing sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for extra nutrients and color.

Storage & Reheating

Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftover chicken into an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Moisture Boost: If the pasta seems a bit dry when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back its creamy consistency.

Variations

Get creative with your creamy garlic chicken! These variations allow you to customize the dish to your taste.

Add Spinach or Broccoli: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or steamed broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or when combining the pasta.
Include Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the crockpot for a burst of sweet, tangy flavor.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Try Different Cheese Blends: Experiment with other Italian cheese blends, like a mix of mozzarella and provolone, for a different cheesy profile.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken is an estimate per serving. These values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and any substitutions made. This creamy garlic chicken recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	1074 kcal
Carbohydrates	56 g
Protein	66 g
Fat	64 g
Saturated Fat	37 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	4 g
Monounsaturated Fat	17 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	302 mg
Sodium	919 mg
Potassium	1094 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Vitamin A	1990 IU
Vitamin C	3 mg
Calcium	239 mg
Iron	2 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Add an extra 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high.
What if the sauce is too thick/thin? If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and cook longer.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti, works beautifully. Just cook it separately.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in the crockpot ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving to maintain its best texture.
How do I make it less garlicky? To reduce the garlic intensity, use a smaller amount of the Parmesan garlic sauce. You can substitute a portion with plain chicken broth or cream.
Can leftovers be frozen? While technically possible, the texture of the pasta can change significantly upon freezing and thawing, becoming a bit mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Pasta truly delivers on its promise of an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner with minimal fuss. Sweet Emily hopes this beginner-friendly recipe brings joy and simplicity to your kitchen.

Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of “set it and forget it” cooking! We would love to hear your thoughts and see your creations – share your experience in the comments below!