Description
This easy Parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting crockpot dinner that comes together with minimal prep and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Place in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder over the chicken. Scatter cubed cream cheese on top. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir until cream cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- About 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain well.
- Add drained pasta to the crockpot. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until cheese melts and pasta is coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for variation. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk; if too thin, let sit uncovered for 10 minutes. For a golden cheesy crust, broil with extra Parmesan for 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of recipe (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 36
Keywords: parmesan chicken pasta, crockpot chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, family dinner, comfort food, weeknight dinner