Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a rich, creamy, and utterly comforting meal, then the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to dish. This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with garlicky parmesan goodness and perfectly cooked pasta, all mingling in a luscious sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s impressively easy to prepare, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, and the flavors are so well balanced you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds without hesitation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a critical role—whether it’s the creamy base, the savory chicken, or the peppery parmesan—that come together to create that irresistible, hearty flavor and luscious texture.

• Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (12 oz): This sauce is packed with rich, garlicky flavor and forms the creamy backbone of the dish.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 to 2 pounds): Tender and lean, these chicken breasts absorb all the delicious flavors during slow cooking.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce perfectly.
• Pepper (½ tsp): Adds just a hint of spice to balance the creamy parmesan.
• Milk (1 cup): Smooths and lightens the sauce for a velvety consistency.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): Melts into the sauce creating an indulgent, creamy texture that clings to every bite.
• Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated or shredded): Provides sharp, nutty notes that deepen the flavor complexity.
• Pasta (12 to 16 oz, rotini or penne): Your choice of pasta soaks up the sauce, delivering satisfying chew and structure.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Layer the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step is crucial as it lays the foundation for overall flavor. Once seasoned, place the chicken at the bottom of your crockpot, giving you a solid base for the sauce to work its magic.

Step 2: Add the Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. This sauce is rich and garlicky, instantly turning the meat into a flavor bomb as it slowly cooks. Don’t skimp here—this is one of the key elements that makes the dish shine.

Step 3: Mix in Milk for Creaminess

Next, add milk to the now-empty sauce bottle, shake it well to capture every last drop of sauce, and pour this mixture over the chicken. This step ensures you get all the sauce flavors in the crockpot, while the milk makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Scatter cream cheese cubes and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients and coat the chicken with the luscious sauce, building layers of creamy richness.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all those incredible garlicky, cheesy flavors.

Step 6: Shred or Dice the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks or dice into bite-sized pieces, depending on your texture preference. Return the chicken to the crockpot to soak up even more sauce.

Step 7: Cook and Combine the Pasta

While the chicken is finishing, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well to avoid watery sauce, then add the pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine everything into a creamy, comforting pasta masterpiece.

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even further. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil on top to add a pop of color and brightness that balances the creamy richness. A little cracked black pepper or additional grated parmesan can add texture and flavor contrast as well.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a cozy meal, some warm garlic bread on the side is perfect to help mop up the irresistible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in individual cast-iron skillets or ramekins. Add a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or grilled vegetables on top for an extra layer of flavor and presentation flair that’s sure to impress family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the creamy texture if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat in a microwave, but make sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and a richer flavor, which can make your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even more indulgent. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to become tender.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Rotini and penne are excellent choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. However, you can get creative with other short pasta types like rigatoni or farfalle, depending on your preference.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta separately?

Yes, cooking pasta separately is important for this recipe. Adding uncooked pasta to the crockpot could result in mushy textures. Cooking it separately ensures the perfect al dente bite, which balances the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While this dish is heavily reliant on dairy for its creamy texture and flavor, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and milk substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary, but it can still be delicious with the right products.

How spicy is the dish?

The Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has a mild, savory flavor with no significant heat. The parmesan garlic sauce provides richness without spice, making it great for all palates, including kids and those sensitive to heat.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug after a busy day, you can’t go wrong with Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It truly brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and satisfying pasta that everyone around the table will love. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!

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