Name: Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 (16 oz) bottle Parmesan Garlic wing sauce (like Buffalo Wild Wings® or similar); 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce if needed); 12–16 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice); Fresh parsley, for garnish; Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness, this Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes I keep coming back to. The slow-cooked chicken turns out unbelievably tender, and when it’s tossed with rich cream cheese, Parmesan, and pasta—it’s pure comfort food in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how hands-off this recipe is thanks to the crockpot—it practically cooks itself. It’s also super adaptable. Whether I’m feeding a busy family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish always delivers. The flavor is indulgent but balanced, and I can easily tweak it to make it spicier, creamier, or even sneak in some veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 (16 oz) bottle Parmesan Garlic wing sauce (like Buffalo Wild Wings® or similar)

8 oz cream cheese (cubed, softened)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce if needed)

12–16 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)

Directions

Layer in the Crockpot:
I place the chicken at the bottom, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. I pour the Parmesan Garlic sauce over everything, then add the cream cheese and grated Parmesan on top.

Slow Cook It:
I cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.

Shred and Stir:
Once cooked, I shred the chicken right in the crockpot using two forks. I mix everything together into a creamy, flavorful sauce. If it seems too thick, a splash of warm chicken broth helps loosen it up.

Cook Pasta Separately:
While the chicken finishes cooking, I boil the pasta until al dente, then drain it.

Combine:
I stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Serve:
I serve it hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings. Cooking time is about 4–5 hours on LOW or 2.5–3 hours on HIGH in the crockpot. The pasta takes about 10–12 minutes to cook separately.

Variations

Spicy version: I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy Parmesan Garlic sauce for heat.

Veggie add-ins: Spinach, steamed broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes work great stirred in just before serving.

No bottled sauce? I can make a homemade garlic-Parmesan sauce if needed—it’s a bit more effort but totally worth it.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess. It heats well on the stovetop or in the microwave. I avoid freezing it, since cream cheese sauces can sometimes separate when thawed.

Related Recipes:

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay a bit juicier, but both work great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prep it in the morning and let it cook during the day. It reheats beautifully for dinner or lunch the next day.

What kind of pasta should I use?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce well. But honestly, I use whatever I have on hand—it all works.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, as long as my crockpot is large enough. I make sure not to overfill it so everything cooks evenly.

How do I make it less rich?

I reduce the amount of cream cheese or stir in some milk or broth to lighten up the sauce without losing flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is one of those go-to meals that I never get tired of making—or eating. It’s creamy, hearty, and comforting with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or prepping lunch for the week, it’s always a win.

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