Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It combines tender chicken and rotini pasta in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, making it the perfect cozy meal for any night.
Table of Contents
Reasons You’ll Love Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Convenience
This recipe is the epitome of convenience. You simply place all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. No need for multiple pots and pans! Just set the timer, and you get back to your day.
Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The garlic parmesan sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible. Made with a blend of garlic parmesan wing sauce and cream cheese, it creates a luscious and creamy coating that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken.
Tender and Juicy Chicken
Cooking the chicken in the crockpot ensures it becomes incredibly tender and juicy. Shredding the chicken after cooking allows it to soak up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce, making every bite a delight.
Versatility
This recipe is versatile, perfect for customizing to your taste. You can easily add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. The options are endless!
Family-Friendly
Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The creamy sauce and tender pasta appeal to everyone, making it an ideal family meal that everyone will love.
Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just store it in the fridge, and you’ll have ready-to-eat meals on busy days!
Budget-Friendly
With affordable ingredients like chicken breasts and pasta, this dish won’t break the bank. You can easily feed a family of six without spending a fortune, making it perfect for budget-conscious cooks.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 16 oz box rotini pasta
- Garnish: parsley, red pepper flakes
How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Step by Step)
- Start by placing the raw chicken breasts, cream cheese, chopped onion, garlic parmesan wing sauce, and milk into the crockpot without mixing them.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir to combine everything well.
- Cover and cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables. A fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, you can serve garlic bread or roasted vegetables alongside to soak up any extra sauce.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure the best results, avoid lifting the lid of the crockpot during cooking, as this releases heat and can affect cooking time. If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. And remember to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking together.
Must Try Variations
You can add a variety of vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, for added nutrition. Experiment with different proteins too—shrimp or tofu can make for a delightful twist. Additionally, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving for a refreshing zing!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just extend the cooking time by about an hour when cooking on low or 30 minutes on high. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Can I Cook Pasta In The Crock Pot?
While it’s possible to cook pasta directly in the crockpot, we recommend cooking it separately to achieve the best texture. Adding it directly can result in mushy pasta. This method keeps your pasta perfectly al dente.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use any type of pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments.
Storing and Reheating The Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. You can also heat it in the microwave in short intervals. Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
More Easy Delicious Recipes
If you’re looking for more delightful slow cooker recipes, check out our Best Of Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta collection for inspiration. You’ll find a range of wholesome dishes to make weeknight dinners a breeze!
Conclusion
Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your new go-to dinner recipe. With its rich flavors and effortless preparation, you can enjoy a comforting meal without the fuss. Make it tonight and discover a delicious favorite that will keep your family coming back for more!
For more comforting dinner inspiration, explore our Slow-Cooker Recipes Collection, and find additional ideas on Pinterest!
FAQs :
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just extend the cooking time by about an hour when cooking on low or 30 minutes on high. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs as a more economical and tender option. They will also soak up the flavors beautifully.
What if I can’t find the specific Buffalo Wild Wings brand garlic Parmesan sauce?
No problem! You can use any garlic parmesan wing sauce you find. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Do I need to cook the pasta in the crock pot with the chicken, or separately?
It’s best to cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot at the end to mix with the sauce.
The sauce seems too thin; how can I thicken it up?
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a bit of water) towards the end of cooking. Stir well and let it cook for a few more minutes.
Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 12 oz garlic parmesan wing sauce
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with thighs.
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk Add more if needed.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 16 oz rotini pasta Any type of pasta can be used.
- garnish: parsley, red pepper flake
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts, cream cheese, onion, garlic parmesan wing sauce, and milk in the crockpot without mixing.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the cooked chicken and mix it back into the sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and add to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and red pepper flakes.
Notes
