There’s something so comforting about creamy pasta topped with tender chicken and Parmesan.
This crockpot chicken parmesan crusted pasta is rich, cheesy, and effortless to make.
It’s a true family-style comfort dish that feels indulgent but comes together with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The crockpot does the work—just add the ingredients and let them cook until perfectly tender.
The sauce is creamy, cheesy, and infused with garlic for deep flavor.
It’s a complete one-pot meal once you stir in the pasta.
This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Boneless chicken breasts cook until tender enough to shred easily.
Parmesan and cream cheese combine to create a velvety, cheesy sauce.
Chicken broth keeps the dish moist and adds depth.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh garlic enhance the savory base.
Heavy cream finishes the sauce for extra richness.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts evenly.
Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot to keep all the juices in the sauce.
Cook pasta separately until al dente, then mix it in to avoid mushiness.
Stir in the heavy cream just before serving for the creamiest texture.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Crusted Pasta
Step 1 – Prepare the chicken
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2 – Add the base ingredients
Pour in chicken broth.
Add Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Step 3 – Slow cook until tender
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Step 4 – Shred the chicken
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce.
Step 5 – Cook the pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 6 – Combine everything
Stir pasta into the crockpot with the chicken and sauce.
Pour in heavy cream and mix until everything is coated and creamy.
Step 7 – Serve and garnish
Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with a crisp green salad for freshness.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
A glass of white wine makes a great accompaniment for dinner.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your preference.
Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream.
Avoid freezing, as the dairy sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time—just warm it through with the sauce.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, cooking it separately prevents the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
You can, but it won’t be as creamy. Try using mascarpone or ricotta as a substitute.
What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it cook uncovered for a few minutes, or add more Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
Chicken parmesan crusted pasta is everything I love in a comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and hearty.
It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but indulgent enough to serve for family dinners.
Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite.