There’s something magical about coming home to a warm, comforting meal that’s been simmering away in your crockpot all day. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is exactly that kind of dish—it’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with rich, garlicky flavor. It’s a “dump-and-go” recipe that’s as simple as tossing ingredients into your crockpot and letting it do all the hard work. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or looking for a dish to impress family and friends, this recipe is your go-to solution.
I first tried this recipe after discovering Buffalo Wild Wings’ Garlic Parmesan Sauce—it instantly became a pantry staple. Pairing it with tender chicken, cream cheese, and your favorite pasta creates a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this recipe and how to make it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Super Easy: Minimal prep and just a few simple steps mean this recipe is practically foolproof.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and garlic parmesan sauce delivers a rich, velvety texture and bold flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this comforting pasta dish. Plus, it’s easy to customize for picky eaters.
- Versatile: You can switch up the pasta, add veggies, or adjust the spice level to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping, and leftovers are just as delicious as the first bite.
As you cook, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of garlic and parmesan—a scent so inviting that you’ll find yourself checking the crockpot more than once.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes (on low setting)
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 (varies based on exact ingredients used)
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These become tender and easy to shred, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- 1 bottle (12 oz) Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The star of the dish, delivering creamy, garlicky goodness.
- 1 cup milk: Helps thin out the sauce for the perfect consistency.
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed): Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded or grated): For an extra punch of cheesy flavor.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: To season the chicken and balance the flavors.
For the Pasta:
- 12–16 oz rotini, penne, or other pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce well.
Optional Garnishes:
- Additional shredded parmesan
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning your chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully coated for maximum flavor.
Add the Dairy
- Fill the empty sauce bottle with 1 cup of milk. Give it a good shake to collect all the remaining sauce, then pour it into the crockpot.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and grated parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Stir gently to begin combining the ingredients. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—everything will melt together as it cooks.
Cook the Chicken
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 3–4 hours.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F), remove it from the crockpot.
- Shred or dice the chicken using two forks or a knife. Return the chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce.
Cook the Pasta
- About 20 minutes before the chicken is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, stirring until it’s well coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Low-Fat Options: If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and skim milk without sacrificing too much creaminess.
- Don’t Skip the Shaking: Filling the sauce bottle with milk ensures you don’t waste any of the delicious sauce, and it helps balance the dish’s richness.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better and maintains its texture.
- Add Veggies: For a well-rounded meal, toss in spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms before serving.
- Finish with a Broil: If you like crispy edges, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like roasted cauliflower or a medley of mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, ensuring the sauce and cheese are also gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Mix in fresh basil or thyme for a flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks to round out your meal:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for sopping up every drop of sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for added texture.
Storage and Freezing
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect for leftovers, and it stores beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as flavorful and tender in this recipe.
What if I can’t find Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
You can use any garlic parmesan sauce available at your grocery store or even make your own.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure the crockpot doesn’t overheat by sticking to the recommended cooking times and using full-fat dairy products if possible.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate cozy comfort food that checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, packed with garlicky parmesan flavor, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re juggling a busy weekday or hosting a laid-back dinner, this recipe fits perfectly into any schedule. With tender chicken simmering in a rich, velvety sauce and your favorite pasta stirred in at the end, this dish is pure magic in every bite.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile and forgiving it is. Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in some spinach, steamed broccoli, or even mushrooms. Need a gluten-free option? Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Looking to spice things up? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
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Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, rich garlic parmesan sauce, cream cheese, and pasta for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights and a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 bottle (12 oz) Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 12–16 oz rotini, penne, or pasta of choice
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place in the crockpot.
- Add garlic parmesan sauce, milk, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir gently.
- Cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred or dice, and return to the crockpot.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and stir into the sauce.
- Garnish with parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, broil the dish with a parmesan topping for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American