Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Easy Creamy Crockpot Dinner Kids Love
This creamy parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting, family-friendly crockpot dinner that combines tender shredded chicken, a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, and pasta for a hands-off meal everyone loves. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta (or shells/rigatoni; gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and cut into large chunks. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub seasoning in to coat all pieces.
- Place seasoned chicken in a 6-quart crockpot. Pour chicken broth over the chicken. Scatter cream cheese cubes and sprinkle grated parmesan on top. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to mix with the sauce.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain well.
- Add cooked pasta to the crockpot and toss gently to coat in sauce. Stir in baby spinach (if using) and butter for extra richness. Let sit for 5 minutes. If sauce thickens too much, loosen with a little reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated parmesan and avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook pasta separately for the creamiest texture. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety. To lighten, use reduced-fat cream cheese and half-and-half. For gluten-free, use GF pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based alternatives. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days and can be frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: parmesan chicken pasta, crockpot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken, family dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, kid friendly, weeknight dinner