If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good slow cooker meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. And this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is exactly that! Imagine tender, slow-cooked chicken simmering in a rich tomato sauce, tossed with penne pasta, gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkle of golden, crispy breadcrumbs. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
This dish is not just easy—it’s packed with bold garlic and parmesan flavors, and the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this pasta dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Prep – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
- Crowd-Pleaser – It’s cheesy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors.
- Customizable – Add veggies, spice it up, or make it even creamier!
- Perfect for Leftovers – This pasta reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
Now, let’s dive into making this deliciously creamy and cheesy pasta dish!
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather your ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A rich, tomato-based sauce forms the base of this dish.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the pasta for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives a nutty, salty kick to the dish.
- Pasta: Penne works great, but you can swap it for another sturdy pasta.
- Breadcrumbs & Butter: For that irresistible crispy topping.
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your 6-quart slow cooker. Season them with salt and black pepper, then pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the diced onion and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together to coat the chicken in the flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the chicken cook for 8 to 10 hours, until it’s fall-apart tender. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.
At this point, your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible—the combination of garlic, tomatoes, and Italian herbs simmering together is pure magic.
Finishing Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Now that your chicken has been slow-cooking for hours and soaking up all those rich tomato and herb flavors, it’s time to bring everything together. This next part is where the magic really happens—melting the cheese, mixing in the pasta, and adding that golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.
By the time you finish, you’ll have a creamy, comforting pasta dish that tastes like something straight out of a cozy Italian kitchen. Let’s get to it!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Since it has been slow-cooking for hours, it should fall apart easily with just a little pressure.
After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the tomato sauce. This ensures that every bite of chicken is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Cheese
Now it’s time to bring in the pasta and turn this into a full meal. Cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain it.
Add the cooked pasta and 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese starts to melt, making the sauce irresistibly creamy.
For even more flavor, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce.
Step 5: Let Everything Melt
Cover the slow cooker again and let everything sit for a few minutes. The residual heat will continue to melt the cheese, creating a rich, gooey texture that coats every piece of pasta. If you prefer a creamier sauce, this is the time to stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Step 6: Make the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
One of the best parts of this dish is the crispy breadcrumb topping—it adds a little crunch that takes the texture to the next level.
In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add ½ cup of breadcrumbs and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown.
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta right before serving for a delicious contrast to the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is already a full meal on its own, but here are a few ways to round it out:
- Pair it with garlic bread – Because extra garlic and carbs are always a good idea.
- Serve with a fresh green salad – A simple side salad with balsamic dressing balances out the richness.
- Add veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whenever I share a slow cooker pasta recipe, I always get a few common questions. Here are some helpful answers to make sure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time!
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, just place them directly in the slow cooker—no need to thaw. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
2. How can I make the sauce creamier?
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream before adding the pasta. You can also mix in a little cream cheese for an extra smooth texture.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is great because it holds onto the sauce well, but you can substitute it with rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to cook it al dente before mixing it into the slow cooker.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to keep it from drying out.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce in a pot or slow cooker, then add freshly cooked pasta and cheese.
6. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! If you’re short on time, cook the chicken, tomatoes, and seasonings on high pressure for 15 minutes with a quick release. Then shred the chicken, add cooked pasta, cheese, and mix well.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty pasta dish that basically cooks itself. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is loaded with comforting flavors, making it a perfect meal for busy nights, family gatherings, or even meal prep.
The best part? It’s totally customizable! Whether you like it extra creamy, a little spicy, or loaded with veggies, you can tweak it to fit your taste.
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried any variations or have any tips to share. Happy cooking!
PrintCrockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy and flavorful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect easy dinner. Slow-cooked chicken in a rich tomato sauce, combined with pasta and cheese, makes for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound cooked penne pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce.
Stir in the cooked penne pasta and mozzarella cheese until evenly combined. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and sauté until golden brown.
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, add 3-4 minced garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream before adding the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
