Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Popular on social media and inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and simple to make. Ready on the stovetop in about 29 minutes or prepared low-and-slow in a Crock Pot for an easy weeknight meal.

After seeing the viral Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta trend, I tested and refined the recipe to deliver a reliably creamy, flavorful pasta that’s approachable for any cook. It blends tender shredded chicken with a garlic-parmesan cream sauce and penne pasta for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner. You can use rotisserie chicken for speed or make shredded chicken at home—both work beautifully.

Key ingredients and substitution ideas

Below are the main components that make this dish shine and a few easy swaps depending on what you have on hand. Exact ingredient amounts appear in the recipe section.

• Cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful; remove the skin and shred the breast meat. Alternatively, use shredded chicken from the Instant Pot or leftover roast chicken.
• Garlic Parmesan sauce – A prepared garlic-parmesan sauce works well, or make a quick homemade version with garlic, butter, parmesan, and cream for the freshest flavor.
• Penne pasta – Penne holds sauce nicely, but medium shells, rotini, cavatappi, or macaroni are great alternatives.
• Cream cheeses and stocks – Cream cheese, grated parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream build the silky sauce; you can adjust creaminess with more or less cream or stock.

Instructions

Here’s a clear, step-by-step overview for making the stovetop version. For full quantities and a printable ingredient list, see the recipe card below.

1. Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine cubed cream cheese, grated parmesan, chicken broth, and garlic-parmesan sauce. Whisk until smooth and heated through.
3. Finish the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture together into a silky sauce.
4. Add the chicken. Fold in cooked, shredded chicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5–10 minutes so flavors meld and the chicken warms through.
5. Toss with pasta and serve. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, toss until everything is coated, and serve right away. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

How to make it in a Crock Pot

The slow cooker version requires minimal hands-on time and is great for busy days.

1. Add 1 pound of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the garlic-parmesan sauce, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, and shredded parmesan. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it, return it to the cooker, and stir in the heavy cream.
4. Cook pasta separately according to package directions, drain, then stir into the slow cooker to combine before serving.

Recipe variations

• Vegetarian option: Omit chicken and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add extra mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for texture and flavor.
• Dark meat: Use shredded chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer taste.
• Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure sauces and broths are gluten-free.
• Extra veggies: Stir in cooked spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms to boost nutrition and color.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce to the cream for a bolder, spicier profile.

What to serve with it

This pasta makes a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with garlic bread for dipping, a crisp green salad, or simple roasted vegetables. Popular side ideas include cheesy rolls, garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a bright broccoli salad.

More pasta recipes

If you enjoyed this dish, try other rich and comforting pasta recipes like buffalo chicken pasta, caprese pasta, enchilada pasta, or three-cheese baked ziti for more weeknight inspiration.