Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Hearty Comfort Meal for Any Occasion
There’s something incredibly comforting about a slow-cooked, creamy pasta dish. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one such dish that not only delivers on flavor but also requires minimal effort to prepare. With tender chicken, rich Parmesan garlic sauce, and al dente pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
In this article, we’ll explore everything from the recipe’s detailed instructions to its origins, variations, and tips for the perfect dish. We’ll also share how you can tweak the recipe to fit your dietary preferences and make it your own.
Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a closer look at each of the ingredients and their roles in making this creamy and flavorful dish:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the main protein source in the dish. Chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy when slow-cooked in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors.
- 1 (12 oz.) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: This sauce provides the base flavor for the dish. Known for its rich, garlicky, and Parmesan-filled taste, it brings a restaurant-quality flavor without the need for multiple ingredients.
- 1 cup milk: Milk helps create a creamy texture and balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into blocks: Cream cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Parmesan is the star of the sauce. It adds depth and a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic.
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini preferred): Penne or rotini are great choices for this dish, as their shape helps hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Directions: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your dish. Make sure the chicken is evenly spread out, allowing the sauce to cover it completely.
2. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Take the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce and pour it over the chicken breasts. The sauce will serve as the primary seasoning, bringing all the garlicky, cheesy goodness to the dish.
3. Add Milk and Cream Cheese
To give the sauce a creamy, smooth texture, pour 1 cup of milk into the crockpot. To get the last remnants of sauce out of the bottle, fill it with the milk, shake it a bit, and then pour it in. Next, add the blocks of cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese. These ingredients will thicken the sauce and add richness to the dish.
4. Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook everything together. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork. The sauce will have thickened, and the chicken will have absorbed all the flavors of the Parmesan garlic sauce.
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy sauce. This step ensures that the chicken is well-coated and full of flavor.
6. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your pasta according to the package instructions. Penne or rotini work best, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. Drain the pasta once it’s done, and set it aside.
7. Combine and Serve
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy chicken and sauce mixture. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce, so each bite is full of flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and shred easily. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly richer, juicier result.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch, using freshly grated Parmesan will give you a better texture and flavor. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Add More Flavor with Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add extra minced garlic cloves to the sauce. You can sauté the garlic before adding it to the crockpot for an even deeper flavor.
- Cream Cheese Substitutes: If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative or use Greek yogurt for a tangier version.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. The Buffalo Wild Wings sauce has a little bit of a kick, but you can always amp it up to your liking.
- Make It a One-Pot Meal: If you want to make the dish even more filling, try adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the crockpot about 30 minutes before the chicken is done. This adds color, texture, and more nutrients to the meal.
Variations to Try
While the original recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to put your spin on this classic dish:
1. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
If you prefer a more traditional Alfredo flavor, swap the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce. You can also add some Italian seasoning for a deeper herbal flavor.
2. Add Vegetables
For a heartier, more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas. You can add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish.
3. Pasta Primavera
Make this dish a little lighter by incorporating seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Toss them into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
4. Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
For a spicier version, mix in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper with the sauce. This variation gives the dish a smoky, spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy base.
The History of Garlic Parmesan Pasta
While the exact origins of garlic Parmesan pasta are difficult to trace, it’s clear that the combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pasta has been beloved in Italian cuisine for centuries. The roots of this dish can be found in the rich culinary traditions of Italy, where garlic and cheese play a pivotal role in many pasta dishes.
In America, this flavor combination became popularized with the rise of chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, which introduced their now-famous Parmesan Garlic Sauce. This sauce became an instant hit, leading to its inclusion in home-cooked recipes like this one.
Slow-cooking methods, like those used in crockpots, have also surged in popularity in recent years due to their convenience. Slow cookers allow you to prepare flavorful meals with minimal effort, making dishes like Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a go-to for busy families and dinner parties alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the epitome of easy comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, and it doesn’t require hours of effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken and a sauce that’s perfect for coating pasta.
The dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a versatile option for family dinners, potlucks, or even a casual date night at home. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different pasta types, cheeses, and spices to suit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for those looking to create a comforting meal with minimal prep. The combination of tender chicken, rich Parmesan garlic sauce, and pasta creates a dish that’s both satisfying and simple. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.
With easy-to-find ingredients, a hands-off cooking process, and endless customization possibilities, this recipe is destined to be a mainstay in your weeknight dinner rotation. Happy cooking!