Okay, let’s be honest: some days, I just want to toss a bunch of ingredients in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to something creamy, dreamy, and totally satisfying. And this, my friend, is that recipe. This Dump-and-Go Chicken Pasta Casserole is made right in the crockpot with tender shredded chicken, a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and bowtie pasta that soaks up all that flavor like it was born for this role!
This is one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for Sunday dinner but is totally fuss-free. Like, set-it-in-the-morning-and-forget-it-while-you-do-life kind of easy. And let me tell you, every time I make this one, someone asks for seconds. Or thirds. (Not naming names, but you know who you are, Johnny!)
When I was growing up, my mom loved her crockpot like it was her third child. She worked full-time as a college professor, so if she could prep dinner before heading out the door and let it bubble away all day, she was ALL in. This would’ve been her dream recipe: creamy, comforting, and so easy even 12-year-old latchkey me could’ve handled it.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Casserole:
- Dump-and-go simplicity (no extra steps, no stress!)
- Creamy garlic parmesan flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours
- Family-friendly and super filling - no side dish needed
- Perfect for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you just don’t wanna think about dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz bottle Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
- 16 oz bow tie pasta, cooked
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Layer it up: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the parmesan garlic sauce on top, followed by the milk and ¼ cup of the shredded parmesan. Place the cream cheese on top.
Set it and forget it: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Go live your life - fold some laundry, run errands, or catch up on your shows.
Shred it up: Once it’s done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the crockpot and stir to combine.
Boil the noodles: While that creamy goodness continues to warm, cook your bow tie pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
Finish it off: Stir everything together until well coated, then sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve!
Tips & Add-Ins:
- Need more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.
- Veg it up: Stir in a handful of spinach or steamed broccoli with the pasta for some bonus greens.
- Make it ahead: Shred the chicken and refrigerate until ready to add pasta later - works great for meal prep!
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Tender shredded chicken, garlic parmesan sauce, and bowtie pasta, this slow cooker dinner is easy, cheesy, and totally fuss-free.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz bottle Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup milk, 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided
- 16 oz bow tie pasta noodles, cooked
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Add the chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken, then add the milk and ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese.
- Set the cream cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or high for 4 hours.
- After it’s done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, and use two forks to shred it. Return to the slow cooker, and mix everything together. Cover and continue cooking while you cook the noodles according to package directions.
- Add the cooked and drained noodles to the crockpot, stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish and serve.
Final Thoughts:
This is the kind of cozy dinner you know will hit the spot. It’s creamy. It’s flavorful. And it feels like something grandma would’ve made on a rainy Sunday… if grandma had a bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce and Wi-Fi!
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, a hungry family, or just yourself and a giant glass of wine, this Dump-and-Go Chicken Pasta Casserole is about to become your new favorite crockpot go-to. Set it, forget it, and enjoy every bite!
Here are some more great recipes you might love:
- Old Fashioned Baked Meatball Casserole - Easy Weeknight Dinner!
- Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole - A Comfort Food Classic!
- Retro Beef Stroganoff Casserole - A Crock Pot Classic
