🧄 Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Pasta
This slow cooker creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and pasta is the definition of comfort food. Tender, juicy chicken cooks low and slow in a rich garlic cream sauce, then perfectly tender pasta shells soak up every bit of that velvety flavor.
It’s a true one-pot slow cooker dinner — minimal prep, maximum flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1½ lbs |
| Medium pasta shells (uncooked) | 12 oz (about 3 cups dry) |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1½ cups |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup (plus more for serving) |
| Roasted garlic cloves or paste | ¼ cup (about 1 small head, mashed) |
| Dried Italian herb blend | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon (plus more to taste) |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (cut into pieces) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley (optional garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add:
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Roasted garlic
- Italian herbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Stir gently to combine.
Dot the top with butter pieces.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- Low for 4–5 hours (recommended for tender chicken)
- or High for 2½–3 hours
Chicken should be fully cooked and fork-tender.
Step 3: Shred & Add Pasta
Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker.
Stir in:
- Uncooked pasta shells
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cover and cook on High for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is tender and sauce is thick and creamy.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta experience.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce (pre-shredded may clump).
- If sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm broth.
- For extra richness, add 2 oz cream cheese at the end.
- Add spinach or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Want a golden top? Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil 2–3 minutes.
🥣 Why This Recipe Works
✔️ One-pot comfort food
✔️ Family-friendly dinner
✔️ Minimal prep time
✔️ Creamy, cheesy, garlicky flavor
✔️ Perfect for meal prep leftovers
This slow cooker chicken pasta recipe tastes like something from a cozy Italian kitchen, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
Would you like a lighter version, a Cajun twist, or a baked oven variation next?