Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese – The Ultimate Crockpot Comfort Food
If you’re searching for the perfect slow cooker dinner that brings together juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and rich garlic-Parmesan flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese. This melt-in-your-mouth meal is effortless to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something satisfying and homemade.
This recipe is loaded with all the comfort you crave—tender chicken, creamy pasta, savory garlic, and two kinds of cheese. Simply toss it all into your slow cooker, set it, and walk away. Hours later, you’ll return to a bubbling pot of creamy, cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
👨🍳 How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese in the Slow Cooker
🔥 Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken directly into the bottom of the slow cooker.
🧄 Step 2: Add the Flavor Base
- Add minced garlic, butter, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2.5 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
🔪 Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the crockpot.
🍝 Step 4: Add Pasta and Dairy
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni, milk, and heavy cream to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the Parmesan and shredded cheese, mixing well.
⏳ Step 5: Cook Until Creamy
- Cover again and cook on HIGH for 30–40 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
- Stir occasionally during the last 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
🧈 Optional: Thicken the Sauce
- If the sauce is too thin, stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy garlic-Parmesan mac and cheese with:
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Top it with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or even crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
🔁 Recipe Variations You’ll Love
🧀 Extra Cheesy Version
- Add cream cheese for an ultra-rich, smooth sauce
- Mix in sharp cheddar or gouda for added depth
🌶️ Spicy Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce
- Use pepper jack cheese for a zesty twist
🥦 Hidden Veggie Version
- Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas before serving
- Grated zucchini or carrots blend well into the cheese sauce
🥩 Swap the Protein
- Use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage for variety
🧊 How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This dish makes delicious leftovers and is perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave in short intervals or warm on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess
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📝 Final Thoughts on This Delicious Slow Cooker Dinner
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to slow down, enjoy a comforting meal, and feed your family with love. With rich flavors, minimal prep, and crowd-pleasing ingredients, it’s bound to become a go-to dinner favorite.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or make-ahead meal prep, this creamy chicken pasta will keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).