Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Simple Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wows

Comfort meets convenience in this delectable crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Tender chicken melds seamlessly with creamy, cheesy pasta and a robust garlic profile.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every bite with rich, satisfying flavors.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of hearty protein and silky noodles.

Minimal prep time means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal.

The blend of parmesan and garlic creates an irresistible aroma that will have everyone eagerly gathering around the dinner table.

Prepare to savor a dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
  • Crockpot magic transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on preparation, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Creamy Parmesan garlic sauce infuses the chicken with rich, bold tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
  • This recipe offers a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults, creating a stress-free mealtime experience that brings everyone together.
  • Easily adaptable for different preferences, this pasta can be a go-to meal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The main protein source that becomes tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
Sauce Base:
  • Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Provides the primary flavor profile for the dish.
  • Milk: Helps dilute the sauce and ensures no flavor is left behind.
Cheese Group:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creates a creamy texture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor and provides a salty, nutty undertone.
Seasoning Group:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the chicken's natural flavors and balancing the overall taste of the dish.
Pasta Group:
  • Pasta: Serves as the base of the recipe, absorbing the creamy, garlicky sauce.

Making Garlic Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot

Making Garlic Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

The seasoning creates a foundational flavor that elevates the entire dish, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 2: Create Sauce Foundation

Pour Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce over chicken.

Refill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake thoroughly, and add to the crockpot.

This technique captures every drop of flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Elements

Add ingredients to enhance sauce richness:
  • Cream cheese cubes
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir ingredients quickly to distribute.

The mixture might appear uneven initially, but cooking will transform it into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook chicken in crockpot on high setting for 2-3 hours or low setting for 3-4 hours.

During this time, chicken becomes tender and sauce develops deep, complex flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 5: Breakdown Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from crockpot and shred using two forks.

Return shredded chicken to sauce, allowing it to absorb all the rich, garlicky goodness.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions, aiming for al dente texture.

Avoid overcooking to maintain ideal pasta consistency.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Drain pasta and add directly to crockpot.

Stir thoroughly to integrate all components.

Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt or pepper as needed.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta
  • Always season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper before cooking to develop a rich, deep taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Rinse the empty sauce bottle with milk to capture every last drop of flavor, ensuring no delicious sauce goes to waste.
  • Don't panic if the cheese looks clumpy at first – as it cooks, the cream cheese and parmesan will melt into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats everything perfectly.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushy texture when mixed with the creamy chicken sauce.
  • Shred the chicken and return it to the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness for maximum taste in every bite.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
  • Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Pasta can be frozen for 2-3 months. Lay flat to save space and prevent freezer burn.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Pour pasta into a skillet with a splash of milk or broth. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking and help sauce reconstitute. Cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Pair Perfectly with Tangy White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, balancing the dish's intense flavors and cleansing the palate with its bright acidity.
  • Complement with Fresh Herbed Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like basil and parsley, dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to contrast the heavy, cheesy pasta and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with a golden, crispy exterior and soft center to soak up the extra creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience and adding textural variety.
  • Elevate with Crisp Vegetable Side: Roast asparagus or broccolini with olive oil and sea salt to add a slightly charred, green vegetable element that introduces a nutritious and vibrant component to the meal.

Flavor Ideas for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Swap Buffalo Wild Wings sauce for a dairy-free garlic sauce.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and verify the Buffalo Wild Wings sauce is gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce sauce quantity and use a low-carb cream cheese alternative.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce. Include diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity in the dish.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

  • What if I don't have Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of ranch dressing, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese to create a similar flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is creamy and garlicky with no significant heat. It’s mild and kid-friendly.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Unfortunately, the cheese and milk are key components of the sauce. Substituting with dairy-free alternatives might change the texture and flavor significantly.

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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Simple ingredients meld into a rich, cheesy masterpiece that satisfies hunger and warms hearts with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper

Sauce and Dairy:

  • 1 (12 fluid ounces) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
  • 0.25 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

Pasta:

  • 12 to 16 ounces pasta, such as rotini or penne cooked to package directions

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring an even seasoning that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
  2. Pour Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce over the chicken, then fill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake thoroughly, and add to the crockpot to maximize sauce utilization.
  3. Introduce cream cheese cubes and sprinkle parmesan, gently stirring to distribute the cheeses. The mixture may appear lumpy initially, but will transform during cooking.
  4. Slow cook on high for 2-3 hours (or low for 3-4 hours) at 375°F, allowing the chicken to become tender and the sauce to develop rich, complex flavors.
  5. Carefully remove cooked chicken and use two forks to shred it completely, then return the shredded meat back into the creamy sauce to absorb the garlic and parmesan essence.
  6. Simultaneously prepare pasta according to package instructions, aiming for a perfect al dente texture with a slight firmness when bitten.
  7. Drain pasta thoroughly, then fold into the crockpot mixture, ensuring every strand is coated with the luxurious sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  • Generously salt and pepper chicken breasts before cooking to enhance the foundational flavor profile and ensure depth in every bite.
  • Use the empty sauce bottle trick by filling it with milk and shaking to capture every last drop of delicious Parmesan Garlic sauce.
  • Don’t panic if the cheese looks clumpy initially; during cooking, it will transform into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a firm bite and prevent turning the dish into a mushy mess that loses its appealing texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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