Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple.

Tender chicken simmers alongside perfectly cooked pasta, infusing every bite with rich, savory flavors.

The magic happens when slow-cooked garlic and parmesan blend into a luxurious sauce that coats each noodle.

Crockpots transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal that requires minimal effort.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will swoon over the depth of flavor in this effortless dish.

Each spoonful promises a delightful combination of herbs, cheese, and succulent chicken.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and chicken mixture together to retain moisture and flavor.
  • Transfer cooled chicken pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

  • What if I don't have Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?

You can substitute with ranch dressing, alfredo sauce, or make a homemade garlic parmesan sauce using garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, and herbs.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a mild, creamy sauce with garlic and parmesan flavors, so the dish is not spicy at all.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Dump ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, making dinner preparation a breeze with minimal hands-on cooking.
  • Blend creamy, cheesy flavors with tender chicken that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Swap out sauce types or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, giving you flexibility to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Using a single crockpot means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe a winner for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen cleanup.

Everything That Goes Into Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the main component of this creamy pasta dish.
Sauces and Liquids:
  • Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: A flavorful sauce that provides the primary seasoning and moisture for the chicken.
  • Milk: Helps to dilute the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
Cheese:
  • Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses add richness, depth of flavor, and a smooth, creamy texture to the dish.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: The carbohydrate base that completes the meal and absorbs the delicious sauce.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Crockpot Chicken Pasta

  • Crockpot: Large, essential appliance for slow cooking the chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Forks: Needed for shredding the cooked chicken perfectly.
  • Large Pot: Required for boiling and cooking the pasta according to package instructions.
  • Colander: Used to drain the pasta after cooking.
  • Measuring Cup: Helps measure the milk accurately.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing pasta with the chicken sauce.

Crockpot Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Nestle chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker.

Drizzle the entire Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Create Creamy Liquid Base

Grab the empty sauce bottle and fill it with milk.

Shake vigorously to capture any remaining sauce, then pour the milky mixture into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Incorporate Cheesy Goodness

Toss these ingredients into the slow cooker:
  • Cream cheese blocks
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese

Stir everything thoroughly to create a smooth, blended sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred And Mix

Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into delicate shreds.

Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, mixing until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain completely, making sure no water remains.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker.

Gently stir to combine, ensuring every pasta strand gets coated with the rich, garlicky sauce.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting meal.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Tips for Creamy Perfection

  • Stir the milk and cream cheese thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce that won't break or curdle during cooking.
  • Use fresh garlic or garlic powder in addition to the sauce for an extra punch of robust garlic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
  • Select pasta shapes with ridges or curves like rotini or penne to better capture and hold the rich, creamy sauce.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or extra milk to reach your desired creaminess without losing flavor.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding to the crockpot to ensure smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the sauce.

Unique Ways to Change Up Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  • Spicy Kickback Chicken: Replace Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce with hot sauce and add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap Parmesan cheese with feta and add oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Lighter Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy chicken sauce.

Pasta Night: Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Style

  • Dinner Party Delight: Create an elegant table setting with fresh parsley sprinkled on top and extra Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to customize their plates.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Portion the pasta into meal prep containers for easy lunches during the week, adding a small container of extra sauce to keep pasta moist.
  • Gourmet Side Kick: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread to transform this simple dish into a restaurant-style meal that feels special and complete.
  • Flavor Boost Option: Top with red pepper flakes or fresh basil for added zest and a personal touch that elevates the overall dining experience.
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta emerges as a comforting one-pot wonder that simplifies weeknight dinners. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, promising a meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Sauces and Dairy:

  • 1 (12 fluid ounces) bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into blocks

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces pasta

Instructions

  1. Nestle chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, thoroughly drenching them with Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce.
  2. Utilize the empty sauce bottle to measure and incorporate milk, swirling to capture residual sauce, then pour into crockpot.
  3. Introduce cream cheese blocks and freshly grated Parmesan, gently folding to evenly distribute and envelop the chicken.
  4. Secure crockpot lid and slow cook at low temperature (195°F) for 3-4 hours or high temperature (215°F) for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches optimal tenderness.
  5. Carefully dismantle cooked chicken using two forks, returning shredded meat to the creamy sauce and blending thoroughly.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare pasta in rapidly boiling salted water according to package guidelines, ensuring precise al dente texture. Drain completely.
  7. Integrate cooked pasta into crockpot, stirring gently to marry flavors and create a harmonious dish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Sauce Substitution Swap Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce with homemade garlic Alfredo or store-bought creamy garlic sauce for diverse flavor profiles.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk, and replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Protein Flexibility Easily swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for richer taste or use plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian versions.
  • Spice Enhancement Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of Italian seasoning to elevate the overall flavor complexity and provide a subtle kick to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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