After a long day, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the enticing aroma of comfort food waiting for you. Imagine opening the door to a warm hug of garlic and Parmesan that instantly lifts your spirits. My recent discovery of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has completely changed the way I think about weeknight meals. With just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking approach, this dish makes it easy to enjoy homemade, flavorful food without the usual fuss.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find that this dish caters to every skill level. Plus, the rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta make it a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. By using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, focusing on what truly matters—relaxing with family and friends.
Ready to transform dinner into a delightful experience? Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe!
Why is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a Must-Try?
Incredible Convenience: With a simple toss of ingredients into your slow cooker, you’re just hours away from a comforting meal.
Savory Indulgence: The fusion of garlic and Parmesan creates an irresistible sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Effortless Cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes and more time to unwind after a busy day.
Family-Approved: This creamy dish wows even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Ultimate Versatility: Customize with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes for a unique twist every time!
Experience the magic of make-ahead meals with this irresistible goodness that takes weeknight dinners to the next level.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – These provide a tender, juicy base for your pasta dish.
For the Sauce
• Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce – Adds authentic flavor that’s both creamy and savory.
• Whole or 2% Milk – Helps to thin the sauce and adds a comforting creaminess.
• Cream Cheese – Ensures a rich, velvety texture that envelops every bite.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the garlic parmesan flavor profile beautifully.
For the Pasta
• Pasta (short or long shape) – Choose your favorite pasta type to delight everyone at the table.
Embrace the simplicity of this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and enjoy a hands-off cooking experience that promises hearty flavors without the hassle!
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and fresh pepper. Lay them in the bottom of your crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the pasta.
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Combine the Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. Next, fill the sauce bottle with milk, shake well, and pour it over the chicken as well.
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Add Creaminess: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. This will create a luscious sauce that will soak into the pasta later.
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Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the crockpot to a plate. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it, then return it to the crockpot.
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Cook the Pasta: Prepare your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Once drained, add it directly into the crockpot, stirring everything together until well combined and coated.
Optional: For a burst of color and flavor, toss in some fresh spinach right before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
After savoring a creamy bowl of pasta, you might wonder what delights could elevate your dining experience even more.
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Garlic Bread: The perfect partner, its buttery, toasted slices soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch.
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Steamed Broccoli: A vibrant burst of color and nutrition on your plate, it provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta. Try drizzling a hint of lemon juice for an extra zing!
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and zesty dressing create a refreshing counterbalance to the creamy dish, ensuring a well-rounded meal.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini will add sweetness and depth, enhancing the whole dining experience.
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Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully, complementing the flavors of garlic and Parmesan like a culinary love story.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a light and airy chocolate mousse that rounds out the meal with a touch of sweetness, leaving you feeling utterly satisfied.
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Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing, palate-cleansing dessert offers a bright finish after the richness of the French-inspired pasta.
These pairings will transform your dinner into a sensational feast, fostering connection and joy around your table!
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, allowing some space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring until heated through.
Serving Tip: For best flavor, enjoy your stored and reheated Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh after cooking, but it still tastes great even after freezing!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
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Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese and Parmesan for cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a rich vegan alternative.
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Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery twist that awakens your palate.
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Vegetable Medley: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a colorful, nutritious boost.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the sauce right before serving for a burst of freshness in every bite.
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Lemon Zest: A hint of lemon juice or zest added just before serving brightens the dish, elevating the creamy flavors beautifully.
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Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed tofu instead of raw chicken for a quick-cooking and equally delicious version.
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Noodle Change: Experiment with different pasta shapes like fettuccine or farfalle to give your meal a fun twist while maintaining the delightful sauce.
Let these variations inspire you to explore the possibilities, every tweak could lead to a new family favorite!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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Select Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will ensure your dish is flavorful and juicy. Frozen breasts can dry out during cooking.
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Perfect Sauce Balance: Be careful not to overfill the crockpot; too much sauce can make it soupy instead of creamy. Aim for a nice balance for the best texture.
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Shred Method: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain moisture, resulting in tender pieces mixed into your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
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Avoid Overcooking: If using the low setting, check the chicken around 3 hours. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so keep an eye on it!
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Pasta Timing: Add cooked pasta right before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir gently to keep the pasta intact while mixing.
Make Ahead Options
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can season the chicken and add the garlic Parmesan sauce (without the milk and cream cheese) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate everything in the crockpot base, and when you’re ready to cook, stir in the milk and cream cheese before setting it to cook. For optimal quality, store your pasta separately and add it just before serving; this keeps it fresh and prevents it from becoming mushy. Enjoy restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort, making dinner prep a breeze!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken breasts, look for those that are fresh, plump, and pink without any dark spots. Avoid any that are slimy or have a foul odor, as these can indicate spoilage. If you are opting for frozen chicken, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
How should I store the leftovers of my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Very! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation from occurring, which can affect the texture of the pasta.
Can I freeze my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Definitely! This dish freezes beautifully. Simply portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore that creamy texture!
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
If you find that your sauce is thinner than desired, I recommend adding a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth, then stir it into the dish while heating. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up nicely.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe contains dairy from the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance. You can substitute with lactose-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. Make sure to check the pasta ingredients as some may contain allergens like gluten. If serving to pets, avoid giving them any dish with dairy ingredients.
Savory Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. Lay them in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. Fill the sauce bottle with milk, shake well, and pour over the chicken.
- Stir in the cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese until the chicken is well-coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
- Prepare your pasta according to package instructions. Once drained, add it to the crockpot and mix well.
- Optional: Toss in some fresh spinach before serving.