Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect for hosting or busy day dinners because the slow cooker does all the work while you focus on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones. Serve it over pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a simple yet delicious meal that brings everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Want to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Crockpot
This Crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe is a great choice for serving friends and family because it’s so easy to prepare and delivers rich, creamy flavor with every bite. The slow-cooked chicken and Parmesan garlic sauce make it a crowd-pleaser, while the simple ingredients keep things stress-free, letting you focus on enjoying time together.
- Mouthwatering flavor: This dish has a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness with a touch of Italian herbs. The garlic Parmesan sauce gives the chicken a savory, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Set it and forget it: You can prep everything in the morning, and the Crockpot will have it ready by dinnertime. No last-minute stress!
- Easy on the budget: This meal is budget-friendly, with basic ingredients like chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan, which are affordable and easy to find.
- Prep like a pro: To make things smoother, prepare your pasta while the chicken cooks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot for minimal cleanup.
- Flavor boosters: Try using fresh garlic in place of garlic powder or switch up the pasta with your favorite kind, like spaghetti or rotini, for a personal touch.
Ingredients You Will Need For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Crockpot
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender chicken breasts are the base of this dish. Look for fresh chicken for the best texture, but frozen works just as well. Just be sure to thaw it first.
- Parmesan garlic sauce: Here is what makes this semi-homemade dish super easy. Start with a jar of garlic parmesan sauce. I like Prego but any brand will work in this recipe.
- Cream cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese to make the sauce velvety smooth. Cut into cubes for easy melting.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne pasta are great options. You can also use any pasta you have on hand.
- Dried herbs and garlic powder: Dried basil and oregano add an aromatic depth of flavor, but fresh herbs work great too. If you’re using garlic powder, keep it on hand, as it’s easy to sprinkle in, but you can always add a fresh garlic clove for a more potent flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for that extra creaminess and flavor boost. If you’re in a pinch, use the pre-grated kind. Just make sure to use a good-quality Parmesan cheese for the richest flavor.
Before You Get Started
The cream cheese should be at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture. It helps to soften it before adding it to the Crockpot.
Cook your pasta al dente according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
Don’t forget to spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to make cleanup a breeze.
You’ll need a slow cooker (Crockpot) for this recipe, but other than that, there’s no special equipment required. A pair of forks for shredding the chicken in the slow cooker will make things easy.
How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Making this Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken recipe is as simple as adding chicken, garlic Parmesan sauce, and a few seasonings to your Crockpot, then letting it cook to tender, flavorful perfection.
Step 1: Layer Ingredients And Cook
Start by placing the chicken breast at the bottom of the Crockpot. Next, pour the Parmesan garlic sauce right over the chicken (you can almost already smell it starting to come together!). Sprinkle with dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder, then add the cream cheese.
Once everything is in the slow cooker, give it a gentle stir to combine, then cover and set it to cook. If you have the time, go for the low setting and cook it for 5-6 hours. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Shred Chicken And Mix
Once the chicken is cooked and super tender, it’s time to shred it. You can do this right in the Crockpot using two forks, or if you prefer, take the chicken and shred it on a cutting board before adding it back. Either way, the chicken will be so soft that it practically falls apart on its own!
Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy, ensuring the sauce coats every piece of chicken. Once done, add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine And Serve
Stir it all up, letting the cheese melt into the sauce, making everything extra creamy. For the finishing touch, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little pop of color and flavor.
Tips And Variations
- Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh, vibrant twist.
- Bring a more fragrant aroma and Italian flavor with thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes on each side before adding them to the Crockpot.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
Once your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Crockpot has cooled down, store the leftovers in an airtight container. Be sure to keep the chicken and sauce together for maximum flavor. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to portion it out into freezer-friendly containers for easy reheating later.
To reheat your leftovers, you can heat them in a microwave-safe dish on medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also do it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If you’re reheating a larger portion, bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it’s safe to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to cook chicken, as the slow cooker allows it to cook gently, becoming tender and juicy over time. Just make sure to follow the recipe’s recommended cooking time.
If the chicken is cooked for too long, especially on high heat, the protein can tighten up, making it tough and rubbery. Try cooking on low heat for the recommended time to prevent overcooking. You can also swap chicken breasts for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to ensure tender results.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
- Pairing Suggestions: Pair with Fresh Tomato Soup With Basil to complement the creamy, savory chicken perfectly or with Maple Glazed Spinach Arugula Salad to add a lovely contrast of flavor.
- Hosting Tip: Serve the pasta in a beautiful bowl, and top it with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to make it look as wonderful as it tastes.
Biblical Hospitality Prep Tip
Set the table before guests arrive. It’s a simple way to show intentionality and care, freeing you up to focus on conversation instead of last-minute scrambling. A prepared table says, “I was expecting you. You are welcome here
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Extra Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 8 cubes
- 10 ounces pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, cooked and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For garnish
- Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan
Instructions
Prepare the Crockpot
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Layer the Ingredients
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom.2 pounds boneless
- Pour the Parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.12 ounces Parmesan garlic sauce
- Sprinkle with dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Add cream cheese.8 ounces cream cheese
- Stir everything together.
Cook
- Cover the crock pot and cook on Low: 5-6 hours or High: 3-4 hours
Shred & Mix
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks or remove it from the crock pot and shred on a cutting board then return shedded chicken to the crock pot.
- Stir everything together until well combined and creamy. Cover the crock pot with the lid and allow it to reheat while cooking pasta.
Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.10 ounces pasta
Combine & Serve
- Add the drained pasta and parmesan cheese to the crock pot and stir well to melt the cheese.½ cup Parmesan cheese
- To serve, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes.Fresh parsley
