Close-up, top-down view of creamy Crockpot Chicken Pasta with fusilli, shredded chicken, and a rich sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes in a black slow cooker.

Are you searching for the perfect stress-free weeknight meal? Look no further! This Crockpot Chicken Pasta recipe offers the ultimate easy dinner solution. Simply set it up, walk away, and return to a deliciously comforting meal. Enjoy rich, creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors that everyone at your table will love. This family-friendly dish promises a satisfying experience with minimal fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Pasta

You will quickly find this easy slow cooker chicken pasta recipe becomes a household favorite. It delivers on convenience and flavor without requiring much hands-on time.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: You combine simple ingredients and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. The result is a deep, savory flavor.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prepare the ingredients in minutes. Then, you can focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself.
Creamy, Cheesy, and Satisfying: The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan creates an incredibly rich and comforting sauce. This creamy chicken pasta truly satisfies.
Versatile for Various Tastes: Easily customize this recipe with your family’s favorite vegetables or proteins.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking mostly in one pot means fewer dishes to wash later.

Ingredients

Making this Crockpot Chicken Pasta uses simple, accessible ingredients. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already!

12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce: Use your favorite brand. This forms the flavor base.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, perfect for shredding.
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Provides a salty, nutty, cheesy kick.
10 ounces dry pasta, cooked and drained: Any medium-sized pasta works well.
Parsley and red pepper flakes, for garnish: Adds fresh color and a hint of spice.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Chicken Cuts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a juicy alternative to breasts. They cook well in the slow cooker.
Pasta Shapes: Try penne, rotini, farfalle, or medium shells. These shapes hold the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Cream Cheese Variations: Neufchâtel cheese works as a lighter option. You can also use flavored cream cheese like garlic & herb.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoother and offers a more vibrant flavor. Pre-grated options are convenient, but fresh is best for this slow cooker pasta.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk after shredding the chicken. Add it a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this delicious creamy chicken slow cooker recipe.

6-quart slow cooker or larger: Ensures enough space for all ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Tongs or two forks: To easily shred the cooked chicken.
Large pot: Needed for boiling your pasta on the stovetop.
Strainer or colander: To drain the cooked pasta properly.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delightful Crockpot Chicken Pasta with ease. This beginner-friendly guide ensures a delicious meal every time.

Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared crockpot.
Pour Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Ensure each piece is coated.
Add Cheeses: Distribute the cut pieces of cream cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 5-6 hours, or on the high setting for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred Chicken: Once cooking time finishes, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Shred the chicken thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir well to mix the chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring it is fully incorporated.
Cook Pasta: While the chicken finishes cooking, or immediately after shredding, boil the dry pasta according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, meaning it is tender but still firm to the bite.
Combine and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta completely using a strainer. Add the drained pasta directly to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Garnish your slow cooker chicken pasta with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal right away!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These tips will help you achieve the best creamy chicken and pasta every time and troubleshoot common issues.

Perfectly Tender Chicken: Avoid overcooking your chicken. For food safety, the USDA recommends chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be moist and easy to shred.
Prevent Dry Pasta: Cook the pasta separately right before serving. Add it to the sauce just before you are ready to eat. This keeps your pasta from soaking up too much sauce and becoming dry.
Adjusting Sauce Thickness: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) to the sauce. Stir until thickened, then return chicken. For a thinner sauce, stir in a little warm chicken broth or milk.
Flavor Enhancements: Taste the sauce before adding pasta. Adjust seasonings with salt, black pepper, or a pinch of onion powder if needed.
Garlic Flavor: If the Parmesan garlic sauce is too strong for your liking, you can dilute it with a small amount of unsalted chicken broth. You can also mix in a splash of heavy cream to mellow the garlic.
Frozen vs. Thawed Chicken: Always thaw chicken breasts completely before adding them to the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and food safety. Frozen chicken can lead to unevenly cooked results.
Pre-cooked Chicken: For an even quicker meal, use leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, just long enough to heat through and meld with the sauce.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Round out your meal and make the most of your delicious Crockpot Chicken Pasta.

Serving Ideas: Serve this creamy dish with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or steamed green beans. These sides complement the rich flavors wonderfully.
Storage: Store any leftover slow cooker chicken pasta in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before placing it in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm throughout. You can also gently warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess if the sauce seems thick.
Freezing: Freezing cooked pasta can sometimes change its texture, making it softer. If you choose to freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat the sauce and cook fresh pasta.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cooked broccoli florets, bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms work well too.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with dried herbs like Italian seasoning or fresh basil.
- Different Cheeses: Consider adding shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra gooiness.
- “Tuscan” Style: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach at the end for a Mediterranean flair.
- Extra Protein: Cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced sausage, or chickpeas can add more texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Crockpot Chicken Pasta. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	1074 kcal
Carbohydrates	56 g
Protein	66 g
Fat	64 g
Saturated Fat	37 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	302 mg
Sodium	919 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Unsaturated Fat	21 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	4 g
Monounsaturated Fat	17 g
Potassium	1094 mg
Vitamin A	1990 IU
Vitamin C	3 mg
Calcium	239 mg
Iron	2 mg
Serving Size	1 serving

FAQ

Got questions about making this amazing slow cooker meal? Here are answers to some common inquiries.

Can I use different types of pasta? Yes! Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely.
Can I cook the pasta directly in the crockpot? We recommend cooking pasta separately on the stovetop. Adding it directly to the slow cooker can result in mushy pasta or an overly thick sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery or too thick? If too watery, stir in a cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice and often turn out even juicier and more flavorful in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? The chicken and sauce mixture freezes well for a month or two. Pasta can become soft when frozen and reheated, so consider cooking fresh pasta when serving from frozen.
How long does Crockpot Chicken Pasta last in the fridge? Properly stored leftovers last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? You can prep ingredients like cutting cream cheese and measuring out spices. For best results, cook the chicken and sauce the day you plan to eat, and always cook the pasta fresh.

Conclusion

This easy Crockpot Chicken Pasta recipe offers a simple solution for a satisfying family dinner. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can create a wonderfully creamy, cheesy, and garlicky meal. We encourage you to try this comforting dish soon. It is perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. Serve it with your favorite simple side dishes for a complete and delicious meal that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.