Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dinner that practically makes itself, look no further than this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This creamy and rich pasta dish combines tender chicken, savory Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a warm, hearty dinner.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, combined with shredded chicken and pasta, creates a dish that’s packed with flavor and comforting warmth. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can let the crockpot do the rest, giving you a rich, satisfying dinner that everyone will love. This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it a great choice for family meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe yields 6-8 generous servings, making it perfect for sharing with family or saving leftovers for the next day. The combination of creamy cheese and tender chicken is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz.) bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz. cream cheese, cut into blocks
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz. pasta (your choice, like penne or rotini)

How to Make

This recipe is incredibly easy to put together, with just a few simple steps required before letting the crockpot do the heavy lifting. Here’s how to create this creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors from the sauce as it simmers.

2. Add the Sauce and Cream Cheese:

Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken, ensuring the chicken breasts are well coated. This sauce is the key to the dish’s rich, garlicky flavor. Add the milk and place the cream cheese blocks on top of the chicken and sauce. The cream cheese will melt as it cooks, creating a smooth and creamy base for the pasta.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook the chicken mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easy to shred. The longer cooking time on low allows the flavors to develop more deeply, resulting in a richer sauce.

4. Cook the Pasta:

About 30 minutes before serving, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking the pasta separately ensures it remains al dente and doesn’t absorb too much of the sauce in the crockpot.

5. Shred the Chicken and Combine:

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Shredding the chicken allows it to soak up more of the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.

6. Add Parmesan Cheese:

Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This step enhances the cheesy flavor and adds a delightful texture to the sauce.

7. Mix in the Pasta:

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. This ensures that every bite is loaded with tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. The extra sprinkle of cheese adds a touch of elegance and even more flavor to this already indulgent dish.

More Relevant Recipes

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Helpful Tips:

• Adjust the Sauce: For a milder flavor, you can mix in half a cup of heavy cream along with the milk. This will create an even richer, creamier sauce with a less intense garlic flavor.
• Use Thawed Chicken: Make sure to use thawed chicken breasts, as frozen chicken can release extra moisture, which may dilute the sauce.
• Stir Occasionally: If you’re cooking on high, give the mixture a gentle stir every hour to ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides.
• Pasta Options: Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work well with this recipe, as they hold the sauce beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the extra sauce. The combination of buttery bread and creamy pasta is a match made in heaven.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely with the rich, creamy pasta, providing a light and refreshing balance.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, garnish each serving with chopped parsley or basil before serving. The herbs add color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 490 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 980mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g

Storage and Leftovers

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of milk when reheating.

Freezing: This dish freezes well, making it great for meal prep. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency. Stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can use any Parmesan garlic sauce or creamy sauce you like. If you prefer a homemade version, you can make a garlic cream sauce by combining heavy cream, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They tend to be juicier than chicken breasts, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Chicken thighs usually require a bit less time to cook through.

What other cheese can I use?
While Parmesan cheese adds a classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago for a different twist. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to maintain the creamy texture.

Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, it’s best to cook the pasta separately to ensure it stays al dente and doesn’t become overly soft. Adding the pasta directly to the crockpot may cause it to absorb too much of the sauce and lose its texture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and a vegan Parmesan alternative. Make sure to check the label on your sauce to ensure it’s dairy-free as well.

Conclusion

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one irresistible dish. It’s a great choice for those busy nights when you need a hands-off dinner that still packs a punch in flavor. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness, and savor a dinner that’s sure to please the whole family. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to eat!

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