Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 5 Steps to Bliss

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Seriously, this dish has it all – creamy, garlicky goodness meets tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all in one pot! Imagine coming home after a long day, and the aroma of garlic and parmesan greets you at the door. It’s like a warm hug from the kitchen! I remember the first time I made this for my family; they devoured it in minutes! My kids couldn’t get enough, and my husband kept going back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s become a staple in our house, especially on those busy evenings when I need something easy yet flavorful. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like we are!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your mouthwatering Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

• 1 (12 oz) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: This is the star of the show, delivering rich garlic and cheesy flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Trimmed and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A must for seasoning your chicken and enhancing all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, to add a bit of warmth.
• 1 cup milk: This helps create a creamy texture; I usually use whole milk for richness, but feel free to use your favorite kind!
• 8 oz cream cheese: Cut into cubes, this adds that creamy texture we all love in pasta dishes.
• ¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese: For those extra cheesy bites that will have you coming back for more.
• 12 to 16 oz pasta: Rotini or penne works great here; cook according to package directions until al dente.

Having these ingredients ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable!

How to Prepare Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is as easy as it is delicious! Let’s get right into how to make this creamy, dreamy dish step by step.

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s season our chicken! Take your 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. I like to rub the seasonings in a bit; it makes such a difference in flavor! Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a nice base for all the deliciousness that’s about to happen!

Adding the Sauce and Cream

Now for the fun part! Grab that bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce – you’ll want to pour the entire 12 oz bottle right over the chicken. Don’t forget to add 1 cup of milk! I usually pour it into the empty sauce bottle, give it a good shake, and then drizzle that over the chicken too. This helps to get every last bit of flavor out! Next, toss in the 8 oz of cream cheese cut into cubes and the ¼ cup of grated or shredded parmesan cheese. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients, but don’t worry if it’s not perfectly mixed; it’ll all come together during cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Now, it’s time to let the crockpot work its magic! Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. I usually go for high when I’m in a hurry! To check if it’s done, the chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork. It should also be juicy and coated in that heavenly garlic parmesan sauce. If it’s not quite there yet, just give it a little more time!

Completing the Dish

While your chicken is cooking, go ahead and prepare your pasta. Cook 12 to 16 oz of rotini or penne according to package directions until al dente. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, along with the drained pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with that creamy sauce. And there you have it – a comforting, flavorful dish that’s ready to be devoured!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it! The crockpot does all the heavy lifting for you.
• Deliciously Rich Flavors: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates an irresistible sauce that coats every bite of tender chicken and pasta.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be clamoring for seconds! It’s a dish that brings everyone together at the table.
• Leftover Bliss: Trust me, the flavors deepen even more the next day, making your lunch something to look forward to!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap in different pasta shapes – it’s versatile and forgiving!

Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Tips for Success

To make your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips I swear by:

• Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, any creamy garlic sauce will work! You can even mix a little garlic powder with a regular alfredo sauce for a quick substitute.
• Make it Your Own: Add in some veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition! Just toss them in during the last hour of cooking to keep them vibrant and fresh.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating it gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency.
• Freezer Friendly: You can freeze the prepared dish too! Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove with a bit of milk.

These little tricks will help ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to increase the cooking time a bit. If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, I recommend cooking on high for about 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours until they’re fully cooked and tender.

Q2: What type of pasta works best with this dish?
I love using rotini or penne because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce so well. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, and check that your sauce is gluten-free as well. There are some delicious options available that taste just as good!

Q4: How do I make this a one-pot meal?
You can certainly make this dish a one-pot wonder! Just add your uncooked pasta to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add enough liquid (like extra milk or broth) to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce.

Q5: What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If you find that the sauce thickens too much during cooking, don’t worry! Just stir in a bit of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up before adding your pasta. This will help achieve that creamy consistency we all love!

Nutritional Information

When you’re enjoying a comforting bowl of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 315
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 121mg
• Sodium: 1024mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 30g

These values are estimates based on the ingredients used, and they can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods. Knowing these numbers can help you enjoy this delicious dish while keeping track of your dietary needs!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to help restore that creamy texture. You can also warm it up in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick! Enjoy those comforting flavors all over again!

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