Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you tired of those weeknight dinners feeling like a chore? I totally get it! As Anna, a passionate home cook who just adores sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes, my mission is to make your everyday cooking easier and way more joyful. I’ve always believed that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s all about finding those gems that taste amazing without a ton of fuss, and that’s exactly what led me to this incredible Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to get a fantastic, creamy, cheesy pasta dish on the table with minimal effort, this recipe is going to be your new best friend. Get ready to say goodbye to dinner stress and hello to happy taste buds!
Discover the Simplicity of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Seriously, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for busy nights! It’s one of those recipes where you can just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do all the hard work. You end up with this super creamy, ridiculously flavorful pasta dish that tastes like you spent hours on it, but really, it’s almost all hands-off. It’s perfect for when you want a comforting, satisfying meal without the stress. Get ready to fall in love with easy dinners!
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward! You’re going to want to grab:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 to 2 pounds | Trimmed of any excess fat |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Kosher salt is great here! |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground is always best |
| Milk | 1 cup | Any kind works! |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Cut into cubes so it melts nicely |
| Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup | Plus more for serving if you like! |
| Pasta (like rotini or penne) | 12 to 16 oz | Cooked according to package directions |
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions
So, the star of the show here is that amazing Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. It’s what gives this dish its incredible flavor with zero effort! If you can’t find that exact bottle, don’t panic! You can totally substitute it with another creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, or even make your own by sautéing garlic, adding some chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Just make sure you have enough liquid to get that nice creamy consistency. For the chicken, if breasts aren’t your jam, thighs work too, they just might need a little longer to cook in the slow cooker. And for the pasta, feel free to use whatever shape you have on hand – elbows, shells, farfalle, they’ll all be delicious in this creamy sauce!
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Effortless Steps to Delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Okay, buckle up, because this is where the magic really happens! Making this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ridiculously easy. You basically just throw stuff in the slow cooker and let it work its wonders. Seriously, it’s that simple. You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so incredibly good. It’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you’re just dragging and don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen, but still want a meal that feels special and comforting. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Preparing Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. Grab those boneless, skinless chicken breasts and give them a quick season with that salt and pepper we talked about. You want to make sure they’re evenly coated – this is where a lot of the base flavor comes from! Then, just lay them right there in the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t crowd them too much if you can help it. Now, for the super easy part: pour that whole bottle of Parmesan Garlic sauce right over the chicken. Yum!
Next, grab that empty sauce bottle. Pour in your cup of milk, put the lid back on (tightly!), and give it a good shake. You want to get all that leftover sauce goodness mixed into the milk. Pour that milky sauce mixture over everything in the crockpot. Now, add in your cubed cream cheese and that 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. These are going to melt down and make everything so wonderfully creamy and cheesy. Give it a quick stir, just to make sure the chicken is mostly covered in that delicious sauce. Cover it up, and let the slow cooker do its thing!
Cooking and Finishing Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, the hard part is over! Now you just let your slow cooker work its magic. You have a couple of options here, depending on your schedule. You can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours, or if you have more time, low for 3 to 4 hours is perfect. Either way, you want the chicken to be cooked through and super tender. Once it’s done, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot onto a plate or cutting board. Grab two forks and shred it all up, or if you prefer, you can dice it into bite-sized pieces. Whatever you like best!
Now, pop that shredded or diced chicken back into the slow cooker with all that glorious sauce. While all this was happening, you should have been cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Make sure you don’t overcook it – we want it nice and al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when we mix it in. Drain that pasta really well, and then add it right into the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Give everything a really good stir to make sure every single piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness. And that’s it! Dinner is served!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Every Time
Making this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure it’s absolutely perfect every single time. First off, when you cook your pasta, don’t let it get too mushy! Cook it just until it’s al dente, or even a minute less than the package says. It’s going to finish cooking a bit in the slow cooker sauce, and nobody likes sad, overcooked pasta. Trust me on this one!
Also, make sure that cream cheese is cut into cubes. It helps it melt down so much more smoothly into the sauce, giving you that super creamy, dreamy texture we’re aiming for. If your sauce seems a little thicker than you like after everything is combined, don’t be afraid to splash in a tiny bit more milk or even a little pasta water. And for the chicken, trimming off any excess fat beforehand just makes for a cleaner flavor. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Got questions about this creamy, dreamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? I’ve got answers! It’s super common to wonder about variations or how to store leftovers. Let’s dive in!
| Question | Answer |
| Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? | Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They tend to stay even more moist and tender in the slow cooker. Just trim off any excess fat and you can use them interchangeably. They might need a little extra cooking time, so make sure they’re cooked through before shredding. |
| What if I can’t find Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce? | No worries at all! You can easily substitute it. Another good quality bottled creamy garlic Parmesan sauce will work great. Or, you can whip up your own! Sauté some minced garlic in butter, add about 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer until slightly thickened, then use that instead. |
| How do I store leftovers of this pasta? | This pasta is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken up a bit as it cools, which is totally normal. Just be sure to reheat it gently. |
| Can I make this a bit spicier? | You bet! If you like a little kick, I highly recommend adding some red pepper flakes. You can stir them in with the other ingredients before cooking, or sprinkle them on top just before serving. A little goes a long way! |
| Is it okay to add veggies to this dish? | Definitely! For a more complete meal, try adding some steamed broccoli florets or peas right at the end with the pasta. You could also sauté some mushrooms or onions before adding them to the slow cooker with the chicken. |
Understanding the Nutrition of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but I always like to give you a general idea of what you’re working with in terms of nutrition for this yummy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Keep in mind these are estimates, and they can really change depending on the exact brands you use and how much you end up eating! It’s a hearty dish, so a good portion size is key. Here’s a ballpark:
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | Approx. 600-700 kcal |
| Fat | Approx. 30-40g |
| Saturated Fat | Approx. 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 50-60g |
| Protein | Approx. 40-50g |
| Sodium | Approx. 800-1200mg |
It’s definitely a satisfying meal that gives you a good dose of protein from the chicken and carbs from the pasta. Just something to keep in mind as you enjoy this delicious comfort food!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Leftovers of this amazing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta are almost as good as the first go-around! To keep it tasting great, make sure you store it properly. Let the pasta cool down a bit on the counter, but not for too long – we don’t want any food safety oopsies. Then, pop it into an airtight container. It should last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. The sauce might thicken up as it chills, but don’t worry, that’s totally normal!
| Method | Instructions |
| Storing Leftovers | Place cooled pasta in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. |
| Reheating (Microwave) | Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. |
| Reheating (Stovetop) | Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and add a little milk or water if the sauce seems too thick. Heat until warmed through. |
Share Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Experience
Okay, now it’s your turn to tell me all about it! Have you made this amazing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear what you thought! Did you try any fun substitutions? Maybe you added some veggies or a little extra spice? Please leave a comment below and rate the recipe – your feedback helps other home cooks too! And if you snapped a pic, I’d be thrilled if you shared it on social media and tagged me. Happy cooking! You can also find more great recipes on Pinterest.
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Amazing 1-Dish Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 2-4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple and flavorful chicken recipe designed to make everyday cooking easier and more joyful. This recipe uses a slow cooker to create a creamy, cheesy pasta dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 12 to 16 oz pasta, such as rotini or penne cooked to package directions
Instructions
- Season chicken with kosher salt and fresh pepper. Place in the bottom of a crockpot or slow cooker.
- Pour entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
- Add milk to the empty bottle and shake. Pour milk and sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Add cream cheese and parmesan cheese to crockpot. Stir to combine and cover chicken with sauce.
- Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove cooked chicken to a plate or cutting board and shred using 2 forks or dice into bite sized pieces. Add back into slow cooker.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and add to crockpot, stirring to combine well.
Notes
- Stovetop Directions: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Add Parmesan Garlic Sauce, milk, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large pot over medium heat. Stir until creamy and well blended. Add cooked, shredded chicken to the garlic parmesan sauce, tossing to coat well. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Top with additional parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 600-700 (estimated)
- Sugar: Approx. 5-10g (estimated)
- Sodium: Approx. 800-1200mg (estimated)
- Fat: Approx. 30-40g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10-15g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0-1g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60g (estimated)
- Fiber: Approx. 2-4g (estimated)
- Protein: Approx. 40-50g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approx. 150-200mg (estimated)
