Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Crockpot)

Growing up in my household, there was nothing quite like walking through the door after a long day of school to the aroma of a slow-cooked meal filling our home. That memory stays with me, and it’s one of the reasons I love sharing this Parmesan Chicken Pasta Crockpot recipe with my own family now. This hearty, comforting dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich Parmesan flavor all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. When juggling work, kids’ activities, and life’s many demands, having a reliable Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Crockpot) recipe in your arsenal is truly a game-changer for family dinners.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

The beauty of this Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s everything you’ll need to feed a family of 4-6:

For the Chicken Base:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 medium breasts)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Creamy Finish:

1 cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
12-16 oz penne pasta (or your family’s favorite shape)
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

When selecting ingredients, I always recommend using freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-packaged variety. The depth of flavor is incomparable, and it creates that silky texture that makes this dish so special. This is one of those little cooking secrets passed down through generations in my family – fresh ingredients make all the difference in simple recipes.

Timing

The timing for this Parmesan Chicken Pasta is what makes it perfect for busy families. The preparation is minimal, and your slow cooker does most of the work while you tend to other things.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping onions, mincing garlic, measuring ingredients)
Cooking Time:
- Low Setting: 6-7 hours
- High Setting: 3-4 hours
Final Preparation: 20-25 minutes (cooking pasta, adding cream and cheese)
Total Time: 6.5-7.5 hours on low or 3.5-4.5 hours on high

I find that starting this recipe in the morning, around 10 or 11 AM, means we’re ready for dinner by 5 or 6 PM – perfect timing for when everyone gets home from after-school activities hungry and ready to eat. On weekends, I might start it after lunch for a comforting family dinner that practically prepares itself.

Step-by-step instructions

Let me walk you through how to create this beloved family dish, just as my mother taught me:

Prepare the Base: Spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Place the diced onion in the bottom of the crockpot.
Season the Chicken: Place chicken breasts on top of the onions. Sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth. Add diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato paste. Gently stir the liquid ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to absorb sauce in the crockpot.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the crockpot heat to LOW if it was on HIGH. Stir in the room temperature heavy cream. If the sauce needs thickening, add the cornstarch slurry now.
Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
Combine: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the crockpot, gently folding it into the creamy chicken mixture until every piece is coated with the delicious sauce.
Final Touch: Let everything sit in the crockpot for about 5-10 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavors.
Serve: Spoon into bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information

While this is definitely a comfort food dish, it’s helpful to understand its nutritional content. The values below are approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 520-550 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 680mg (varies based on broth used)
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

This hearty dish provides an excellent source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the Parmesan cheese. The tomatoes add a boost of lycopene and vitamin C. While not low in calories, this balanced meal contains all the major food groups and can be adjusted to meet different dietary needs.

Healthier Alternatives

Our family traditions evolve over time, and I’ve found several ways to adapt this recipe for different dietary needs while maintaining that homestyle taste we all love:

Lower Fat Version: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.
Whole Grain Option: Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta for increased fiber and nutrients. Note that whole wheat pasta may require slightly different cooking times.
Extra Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Gluten-Free: This recipe works wonderfully with gluten-free pasta varieties. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately and add it at the end, as gluten-free pastas can break down more easily.
Lighter Protein: Turkey breast can be substituted for chicken for a slightly leaner protein option.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use unsweetened coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives if needed. The flavor profile will change slightly but still remain delicious.

In our home, we often add extra vegetables to make the meal stretch further and boost its nutritional value. My daughter particularly loves when I add spinach that wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding color and nutrients without changing the comforting taste she expects.

Serving Suggestions

In my family, how we serve a meal is almost as important as the recipe itself. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta dish perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Homemade garlic bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside simple roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and color contrast.
Wine Pairing: For the adults, a medium-bodied Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy Parmesan flavors beautifully.
Family Style: Serve directly from the crockpot at the table with a large ladle and allow everyone to help themselves—creating that warm, communal dining experience.

For special occasions, I transfer everything to our grandmother’s old serving dish and place it in the center of the table with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Something about that presentation makes even a simple weeknight meal feel like a celebration of family traditions.

Common Mistakes

Through years of making this recipe, I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Overcooking the Chicken: Even in a crockpot, chicken can become dry if cooked too long. Stick to the recommended times and check for doneness before the maximum time.
Adding Dairy Too Early: Never add the cream and cheese at the beginning of cooking – they can separate and curdle. Always add them during the last 30 minutes.
Cooking Pasta in the Crockpot: Adding uncooked pasta directly to the crockpot often results in mushy pasta. Cook it separately to al dente.
Using Cold Cream: Adding cold cream to the hot mixture may cause it to separate. Let it come to room temperature first.
Pre-grated Cheese: Using pre-packaged grated Parmesan can result in a grainy texture because it contains anti-caking agents. Grate your own for the smoothest sauce.
Not Stirring the Sauce: After adding the cream and cheese, stir regularly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom and sides of the crockpot.

The first time I made this for a family gathering, I added the cheese too early and ended up with a slightly curdled sauce. My grandmother gently showed me how to rescue it by tempering the dairy first – a kitchen lesson I’ve never forgotten and now pass on to my own children.

Storage Tips

One of the reasons this recipe has become a staple in our home is that it makes excellent leftovers. Here’s how to properly store and enjoy this dish beyond the first meal:

Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat portions gently in the microwave at 70% power with a splash of milk or broth to revitalize the sauce. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, be aware that cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed. If planning to freeze, consider making the recipe without the cream and cheese, freezing the base, then adding the dairy components fresh when reheating.
Portioning: I often store individual portions in microwave-safe containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Refreshing Leftovers: A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and herbs just before serving revitalizes leftover portions beautifully.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Chicken Pasta Crockpot recipe is more than just a meal in our home—it’s a tradition that brings us together at the end of busy days. The slow cooking process infuses every bite with flavor while requiring minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for families juggling numerous commitments. From the tender shredded chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce coating every piece of pasta, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction with each serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours. For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw chicken before putting it in the crockpot, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen will work. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, there are two easy fixes. First, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stirring this into the sauce about 20-30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can remove the lid of the crockpot for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a busy week?

Absolutely! This is a perfect meal prep recipe. You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the pasta, cream, and cheese, then refrigerate for 1-2 days. When ready to complete the dish, reheat the chicken mixture in the crockpot, cook fresh pasta, and proceed with adding the cream and cheese as directed. You can also freeze the chicken base (without dairy) for up to 3 months.

My family doesn’t like chunks of tomato. Can I modify the recipe?

Yes, there are several ways to adapt this recipe if you have tomato-texture avoiders in your family (as I do!). You can use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes, or puree the diced tomatoes before adding them. Alternatively, you can strain the diced tomatoes and just use the juice, though you may want to add a bit more tomato paste for flavor.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes, this recipe adapts well to other cooking methods. For stovetop, simmer the chicken mixture in a covered Dutch oven for about 45-60 minutes until the chicken is tender, then proceed with shredding and adding pasta, cream, and cheese. For Instant Pot, cook the chicken mixture on high pressure for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release, then use the sauté function when adding the final ingredients. The flavors won’t develop quite as richly as with the slow cooker method, but you’ll still have a delicious meal in a fraction of the time.