Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta That’s Creamy and Comforting

Some recipes feel like a warm hug in a bowl. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of them. I made it for a rainy Tuesday dinner, and by the time the creamy, garlicky aroma filled the house, we were all hovering in the kitchen with spoons in hand. It’s rich, simple, and absolutely perfect for nights when you need dinner to feel like comfort itself.

Bowl of creamy garlic parmesan rotini pasta with fresh parsley and a side of grated parmesan cheese on a rustic table.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has everything you want in a weeknight dinner: rich flavor, creamy texture, and almost no effort. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and let the gentle heat transform the chicken into tender, juicy pieces that practically melt in your mouth. The sauce becomes luxuriously silky, thanks to parmesan, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic that fills the kitchen with the most comforting aroma. By the time it’s ready, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for serving over pasta, vegetables, or rice. It’s an easy recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat for busy nights and cozy family dinners.

It’s flexible too, which is one of the best parts about Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Serve it over pasta for a comforting, classic feel, or switch things up with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or fluffy rice. This recipe shines on busy days because the prep takes just minutes, and then the slow cooker handles all the work while you get on with your day. The chicken turns tender, the sauce stays creamy, and the flavors melt beautifully. It also reheats like a dream, which makes it perfect for meal prep, packed lunches, or a quick dinner the next day when you want something hearty without starting from scratch.

Whether you’re cooking for family on a busy weeknight or bringing a dish to share at a potluck, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is always a guaranteed hit at the table. The creamy garlic-parmesan sauce coats tender chicken and pasta in pure comfort, making it irresistible to kids and adults alike. It’s simple enough for a casual dinner yet flavorful enough to impress guests. Plus, it travels well, so you can keep it warm in the slow cooker and serve it fresh wherever you go. Every bite delivers that savory, cheesy goodness that has everyone asking for seconds, making this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, tender result in your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Trim any excess fat for the best texture and a cleaner bite. Chicken breasts cook up beautifully in the slow cooker, staying juicy while absorbing all that creamy garlic-parmesan flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, you can swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They bring extra juiciness and depth, making the dish even more indulgent while still pairing perfectly with the creamy pasta sauce.

Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce gives this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta its bold, creamy punch that everyone craves. The rich garlic flavor blends perfectly with tender chicken and pasta for a comforting meal. If you can’t find this sauce in stores, don’t worry—you can easily make the homemade version included below. You can also swap in another creamy garlic sauce you love, adjusting the seasonings to taste so your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta still turns out delicious.

Dairy (Milk & Cream Cheese)

Whole or 2% milk keeps the sauce silky and rich in flavor, which is exactly what makes Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta so satisfying. Low-fat milk works in a pinch, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less creamy. Cream cheese adds tang and a smooth texture that blends perfectly with the parmesan garlic sauce. You can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option, though the flavor will be milder and the sauce a bit less indulgent.

Pasta

Rotini, penne, or any short pasta holds the creamy garlic parmesan sauce perfectly, making every bite of your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta rich and satisfying. If you follow a gluten-free diet, choose a high-quality gluten-free pasta that keeps its texture after cooking. You can also skip pasta entirely and serve this dish over fluffy rice or smooth mashed potatoes, which soak up the savory sauce just as well and make the meal just as comforting and hearty.

Tip: You can also make your own garlic parmesan sauce if you want complete control over flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Crockpot Method)

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in your crockpot.
  2. For the parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
  3. Fill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake well, and pour that in too.
  4. Add cubed cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Gently stir to coat the chicken.
  5. Cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
  6. Remove chicken and shred or dice it. Return it to the crockpot and stir into the sauce.
Tender shredded chicken coated in creamy parmesan garlic sauce on a white plate with forks.
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  1. Cook pasta separately according to package directions. Drain and stir into the crockpot mixture.
Raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper inside a black slow cooker.
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Note: Pasta should be added just before serving to keep it from overcooking.

Quick Stovetop Method

If you already have cooked chicken, you can make this meal in under 30 minutes.

  1. Cook pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, combine parmesan garlic sauce, milk, cream cheese, and parmesan. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add shredded chicken and stir to coat.
  4. Simmer on low for 5 minutes. Serve with pasta and top with extra parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Optional Homemade Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Pouring creamy parmesan garlic sauce over chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
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Combine 1 cup parmesan cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp minced garlic, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, broccoli, or cauliflower.
  • Low Carb/Keto: Serve over roasted vegetables or shiratake noodles.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Use short pasta shapes to hold the creamy sauce.
  • Add fresh spinach at the end for color and extra nutrition.
  • Don’t cook frozen chicken on low in the crockpot—it won’t heat evenly.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Creamy garlic parmesan rotini pasta with shredded chicken and parsley on a white platter.
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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
For best texture, reheat in the oven at 375°F, covered, with a splash of milk or broth. You can also microwave for 2–3 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake covered for about 1 hour until hot in the center.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Card

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Bowl of creamy garlic parmesan rotini pasta with fresh parsley and a side of grated parmesan cheese on a rustic table.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta That’s Creamy and Comforting


  • Author: Chef Elon
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, garlicky, and rich, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a family-friendly slow cooker dinner that’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends.


Ingredients

Scale

1 (12 oz) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce

1.52 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

1216 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or similar), cooked to package directions


Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper; place in crockpot.

2. Pour parmesan garlic sauce over chicken.

3. Add milk to empty sauce bottle, shake, and pour over chicken.

4. Add cream cheese and parmesan cheese; stir to coat chicken.

5. Cook on high 2–3 hrs or low 3–4 hrs.

6. Remove chicken, shred or dice, then return to crockpot.

7. Cook pasta, drain, and stir into crockpot mixture.

Notes

Use short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for best sauce coverage.

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese.

Add spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.

Do not cook frozen chicken on low in the crockpot.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs
  • Category: Chicken Recipes
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1024mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 121mg

Explore Similar Recipes

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken – a creamy, flavorful weeknight dinner or my Cream Cheese Chicken – rich, comforting, and easy to make . You could also try Ranch Chicken Crock Pot – a hearty slow cooker classic or Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie – cozy comfort food in every bite .

FAQ

How to cook chicken pasta in a slow cooker?

Season the chicken, add sauce and dairy, then cook until tender. Shred and stir in pasta just before serving.

How to keep chicken parmesan from getting soggy?

Add pasta at the very end to prevent it from soaking too much sauce and losing texture.

How do you slow cook chicken parmesan pasta?

Cook chicken with sauce and cheese on high for 2–3 hours or low for 3–4 hours, then add pasta.

How long does pasta go in the crockpot?

Only a few minutes at the end—long enough to heat through but not overcook.

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