Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a fantastic choice for a cozy family dinner. There’s just something magical about the way the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The rich, savory garlic parmesan sauce envelops the chicken and pasta, creating a meal that’s utterly delicious and sure to please.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family—it was a chilly evening, and we were all craving something warm and hearty. As the aroma filled the kitchen, our excitement grew, and by the time we sat down to eat, I knew I had stumbled upon a real winner. The Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has since become a staple in our household, and I can’t wait for you to try it. It’s not only easy and budget-friendly but a real crowd-pleaser, making every mealtime feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish cooking away while you handle other tasks.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce mixed with the tender chicken is a flavor explosion that you won’t be able to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The combination of creamy white sauce, chicken, and pasta makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even as meal prep for busy weeks ahead.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets with the right pasta substitutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 – 1.5 pounds chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for tenderness; thighs can be a good substitute for added flavor.
- 12 oz Buffalo Wild Wings parmesan garlic sauce: This sauce brings a rich garlicky taste and a hint of spice; feel free to try homemade if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup milk: This helps balance the richness of the sauce and creates a creamy consistency; dairy alternatives work too.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Adds creaminess; ensure it’s softened to blend well with the sauce. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will enhance the flavor, but pre-packaged works in a pinch.
- 1 pound dried pasta: Choose your favorite type—penne, rotini, or even whole-wheat for a healthier option.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Combine the Sauces: Pour the 12 oz Buffalo Wild Wings parmesan garlic sauce into the base of your crockpot. Next, pour the milk into the empty sauce bottle, close it tightly, and shake well to mix. Add this milk mixture to the crockpot and stir to combine evenly.
- Add the Chicken: Nestle the 1 – 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure they are well coated. Place the 4 oz cream cheese on top, followed by the 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the goodness during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let it cook for about 3 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of dried pasta and cook according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. This keeps the pasta al dente and prevents it from becoming mushy when added to the sauce.
- Shred the Chicken: After 3 hours, check the chicken for doneness. Remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce along with the drained pasta.
- Mix Everything Together: Stir to combine everything well. Cover the crockpot and let it continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the pasta to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the dish hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring the consistency back to its creamy goodness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the crockpot to make it easier to melt.
- If the sauce seems too thick after cooking, add a bit more milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in some spinach or cherry tomatoes right before serving.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its texture after mixing with the sauce.
- Experiment with different types of pasta for varied textures and flavors, like whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is such a versatile recipe that you can easily play with the flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. It’s a fantastic way to bring everyone to the table and enjoy a delicious meal together. Try experimenting with spices or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just make sure to increase the cooking time to about 4-5 hours on low, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
While traditional pasta like penne or rotini works wonderfully, feel free to use whole grain, gluten-free, or even zoodles for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and refrigerate it before cooking. Just allow enough time for the chicken to thaw if you started with frozen, and follow the usual cooking instructions when you’re ready to enjoy.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta offers an irresistible blend of creamy parmesan and tender chicken, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy the simplicity of this recipe that brings comfort food to your dinner table with minimal effort!
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 – 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
- 12 oz buffalo wild wings parmesan garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pound dried pasta
Instructions
- Pour the Parmesan Garlic wing sauce into the base of your crockpot.
- Pour the milk into the empty wing sauce bottle, close and shake well, then add to the crockpot and mix to combine.
- Add the chicken to the crockpot and nestle it into the sauce. Top with cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions, cooking for 1-2 minutes less than directed.
- After 3 hours, check that the chicken is fully cooked, then remove it and shred using forks.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the sauce along with the cooked pasta and mix to combine everything well.
- Cover and let it continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For best results, shred chicken with forks once fully cooked for maximum tenderness.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
Adjust the seasoning with additional garlic or herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
