Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Eating with Edward on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 hrs 30 min | Total: 5 hrs 55 min
Cost: $14.00 total, $2.33 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, trimmed into large chunks)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 bottle Parmesan Garlic Sauce (about 12 oz, store‑bought Italian‑style sauce)
- 1 lb Pasta (short pasta such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Measure 2 cups of chicken broth, open the bottle of parmesan garlic sauce, and cut the chicken breasts into large chunks if desired.
Time: PT5M
Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot
Place the chicken pieces into the crock pot, pour in the chicken broth, and add the parmesan garlic sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
Time: PT2M
Slow Cook Chicken
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to High for 4–6 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls apart.
Time: PT5H
Shred Chicken
Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot until it is in bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Add Pasta and Finish Cooking
Stir in the 1‑lb box of pasta, replace the lid, and cook on High for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.
Time: PT30M
Serve
Turn off the crock pot, give the pasta a final stir, and serve hot. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High Protein, Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey Breast
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Homemade garlic‑parmesan sauce, Alfredo sauce
- Instead of Pasta: Gluten‑free pasta, Whole‑wheat pasta
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Measuring Cup
- Large Spoon or Ladle
- Knife (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook chicken on High until it falls apart (4–6 hours).
- Shred the chicken while keeping it in the sauce.
- Add pasta and monitor cooking time to avoid over‑cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a brighter flavor.
- Add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for subtle heat.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is not tender after 4 hours.
Continue cooking on High for another 30‑60 minutes; the meat will become shreddable.
Pasta becomes mushy.
Check pasta at the 20‑minute mark and stir; remove the lid early if the sauce is too thin.
Sauce is too thick after adding pasta.
Stir in a little extra chicken broth or water, 1‑2 Tbsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months (pasta may become softer after reheating).
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the chicken in the crock pot a day ahead, shred, and store in the sauce in the refrigerator.
- When reheating, add a splash of broth and cook pasta fresh for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta in American comfort food cuisine?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a modern American comfort dish that blends classic Italian flavors—garlic, Parmesan, and pasta—with the convenience of a slow cooker, reflecting the U.S. trend toward easy, one‑pot meals for busy families.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic‑parmesan chicken pasta in the United States?
While there is no historic regional version, cooks in the Midwest often add cream or cheese curds, whereas West Coast versions may incorporate fresh herbs like basil or spinach for a lighter feel.
How is Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the crock pot, sprinkled with extra grated Parmesan and sometimes a drizzle of olive oil, accompanied by a simple green salad or garlic bread.
What occasions or celebrations is Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta commonly associated with in American culture?
Because it is quick and crowd‑pleasing, the dish is popular for weeknight family dinners, pot‑luck gatherings, and casual game‑day parties.
How does Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta fit into the broader American pasta cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the American adaptation of Italian pasta by using a creamy garlic‑Parmesan sauce and a slow‑cooked protein, emphasizing convenience and hearty flavor over strict regional authenticity.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include boneless chicken breast, chicken broth, a store‑bought garlic‑Parmesan sauce, and short pasta. Substitutes can be turkey breast, vegetable broth, homemade garlic‑Parmesan sauce, or gluten‑free pasta.
What other American dishes pair well with Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta?
Pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or a simple mixed greens vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
What makes Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of a slow‑cooked, fall‑apart chicken infused with a cheesy garlic sauce and the convenience of cooking the pasta directly in the same pot, delivering a one‑pot, hands‑off meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta?
Common mistakes include not cooking the chicken long enough for it to shred, overcooking the pasta so it becomes mushy, and not stirring the pasta halfway, which can cause it to stick to the bottom.
Why does this Garlic Parmesan Crock-Pot Chicken Pasta recipe use a high setting for the entire cooking time instead of low?
High heat shortens the total cooking time to under 6 hours, making the recipe more practical for weeknight meals while still achieving tender, shreddable chicken and properly cooked pasta.
What does the YouTube channel Eating with Edward specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eating with Edward specializes in simple, family‑friendly American comfort recipes that often use one‑pot or slow‑cooker techniques to make cooking quick and approachable for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Eating with Edward's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Eating with Edward focuses on minimal‑prep, budget‑conscious meals with a strong emphasis on using everyday pantry staples, whereas many other channels may prioritize gourmet techniques or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
