Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy Crockpot Recipe)

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food and one of the easiest dump and go crockpot dinners. Perfect for cheap dinners for a family, this chicken pasta bake style recipe is creamy, cheesy, and totally irresistible. Save this recipe for busy weeknights!

Last week Samantha forgot she promised garlic bread for dinner. No worries—she made this garlic parmesan chicken pasta instead, and nobody missed the bread! Creamy, cheesy, and family-budget approved, this recipe is proof that good meals don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love It

• Dump-and-go dinner – minimal effort, maximum flavor.
• Budget-friendly – cheap dinners for a family that feel restaurant-quality.
• Kid-approved – creamy, cheesy chicken pasta always wins.
• Versatile – serve it as is or bake it into a chicken pasta casserole.
• Leftover gold – reheats beautifully for quick lunches.

Ingredients / What You’ll Need

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 bottle (16 oz / 475 ml) garlic parmesan sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 block (8 oz / 225 g) cream cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 box (16 oz / 450 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder + 1 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Swap idea: Try alfredo sauce if you can’t find garlic parmesan sauce.

How to Make It

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour garlic parmesan sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Add garlic powder and black pepper.
4. Top with cream cheese (leave it in a block).
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
6. Shred chicken with two forks inside crockpot and stir everything together.
7. Cook pasta separately until al dente, then drain.
8. Mix pasta into the crockpot, sprinkle with parmesan, and serve warm.

Pro Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for a faster stovetop version.
• Stir in a handful of spinach or broccoli at the end for veggies.
• Save some pasta water in case the sauce is too thick.
• Want it crispy? Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil.

Variations & Substitutions

• Chicken pasta bake – transfer to casserole dish, top with mozzarella, bake 15 minutes.
• Spicy twist – add red pepper flakes or buffalo sauce.
• Low-carb version – serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Protein swap – try ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian – replace chicken with roasted mushrooms or chickpeas.

Storage & Reheat

• Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.
• Reheat: Warm in microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen sauce.

What to Serve With It

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Homemade bruschetta for a fresh starter

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but add 1–2 hours to cooking time in the crockpot.

What if I don’t have garlic parmesan sauce?
Mix alfredo sauce with 2 tbsp garlic powder and ½ cup parmesan.

Does it taste good baked?
Absolutely! It transforms into a creamy chicken pasta bake with crispy edges.

Can I double this for meal prep?
Yes, it scales well and makes excellent make-ahead meals.

Print

A warm bowl of garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of comfort food Samantha loves on hectic weekdays. Whether you enjoy it straight from the crockpot or bubbly from the oven as a pasta bake, this recipe is proof that cheap dinners for a family can still feel indulgent. Pin it now—you’ll thank yourself later!