Best Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why I love this recipe, and you will too

1. It’s incredibly easy to make; you toss everything into the Crock-Pot and let it do the work. This recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and slow-cooked chicken creates a rich, savory dish packed with rich, comforting flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
3. Like my recipe for Crock-Pot Chicken and Potatoes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you have a busy schedule or entertain guests.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – boneless skinless chicken thighs work too.
• Minced fresh garlic – one-half teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted.
• Parmesan garlic sauce – the TikTok recipe featured Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. You can use any brand you like or have on hand, or you can make your own by combining a half cup of grated parmesan cheese, a quarter cup of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, one clove minced garlic, and half teaspoon of dried basil.
• Milk – any percent milk can be used, or you can substitute heavy cream or half and half instead.
• Cream cheese – helps to make the sauce creamy.
• Parmesan cheese – other cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, can be used instead of the grated parmesan, but it will change the taste of the final dish.
• Pasta – I used rotini in this recipe because it’s what I had, but you can use any type of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine.

Specific measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to make this recipe for Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Spray the inside of your Crock Pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom and top with the minced garlic.

2. Pour the parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken. Pour the milk into the parmesan garlic sauce bottle, close it, and give it a shake to get the remaining sauce out of the bottle. Then, pour the milk from the sauce bottle into the slow cooker.

3. Place the cubes of cream cheese on top of the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker to make the creamy sauce.

4. Cover and cook the chicken on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3 ½ – 5 hours or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and shreds easily. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. Use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker and then mix it until incorporated with the sauce.

7. Add the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese to the slow cooker and gently fold to combine.
8. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together better.

Menu suggestions

I like to serve the garlic parmesan chicken pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese, along with Old-Fashioned Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions, and Texas Toast Garlic Bread. If you want to add another side dish, my Garlic Parmesan Green Beans would pair nicely.

For dessert, my Strawberry Sherbet or Cookie Dough Ice Cream would be lovely.

Recipe variations

Stir in fresh spinach during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, or add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to the dish.

Add some heat to the dish by using hot sauce or red pepper flakes. You could also swap out the garlic for Cajun seasoning to give the dish a Southern twist.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.

Reheat leftovers in the microwave, or on the stove in a skillet with some chicken stock or water to help loosen the sauce if it is too thick.

Recipe FAQs

Insider tips for the best results

• The consistency of the sauce can vary depending on how much juice is released from the chicken. If you need to thin the sauce after adding the pasta, add more milk and/or garlic parmesan sauce until you reach the consistency you like.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time—chicken can dry out if cooked for too long, even in a slow cooker. The time it takes to cook your chicken can vary depending on your slow cooker’s size, make, and model, the size of the chicken breasts, and whether it is frozen or not. So be sure to use an instant-read meat thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F, not the time.