Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect dinner solution when you want something filling and flavorful without fuss. It combines tender chicken with rich, creamy sauce that cooks slowly to bring out the best in every ingredient. This dish has become a go-to in my house for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum comfort.

I first tried making this during a hectic week and it saved dinner with barely any effort. Now it's requested so often it feels like a family classic.

Ingredients

• Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: provides a perfect tangy and garlicky base, using your favorite brand ensures great flavor
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: lean protein that becomes tender and easy to shred after slow cooking
• Salt: enhances all the flavors, kosher or sea salt is best for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper: gives slight heat and depth, freshly ground packs more punch
• Milk: adds creaminess to the sauce, whole milk gives best texture but 2% works fine too
• Cream cheese cut into cubes: thickens the sauce and adds richness, use full fat for best taste
• Parmesan cheese freshly grated or shredded: adds nutty, sharp flavor, choose good quality parmesans from the deli if possible
• Pasta such as rotini or penne cooked to package directions: sturdy shapes that hold the sauce well, cook just until al dente before mixing

Instructions

Season the chicken:

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper making sure every piece is well coated. Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker to form the base of the dish.

Add the sauce:

Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce evenly over the chicken so each piece is covered with the savory seasoning. This sauce is the main flavor driver here.

Add milk:

Add milk to the empty sauce bottle, shake well to pick up every bit of sauce left, then pour this mixture over the chicken to make the sauce more creamy and smooth.

Add cheeses:

Scatter the cream cheese cubes and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce. Gently stir the mixture just enough to incorporate the cheese into the sauce creating a creamy consistency.

Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.

Shred the chicken:

Remove the cooked chicken onto a plate or cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat into bite sized pieces or dice it if preferred. This step ensures bite size pieces that are easy to eat.

Combine chicken and sauce:

Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and give the sauce a gentle stir to coat the chicken well with the cheesy garlic goodness.

Cook pasta:

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well then add it into the crockpot pot, stirring thoroughly to combine and let the pasta soak up some sauce.

Parmesan cheese is one of my favorite ingredients here because it adds that sharp, nutty note that rounds out the creamy richness perfectly. One family dinner I remember clearly was when unexpected guests arrived and this dish was ready on the table it was a huge hit and everyone asked for the recipe.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave adding a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Buffalo Wild Wings sauce is not available use any quality garlic Parmesan sauce or even Alfredo sauce combined with garlic powder to get close to the flavor. For cream cheese, mascarpone can be a creamy alternative. Use any short pasta like fusilli or shells if rotini or penne are not on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an easy, comforting weeknight meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd. Try making a freezer portion for quick dinners.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for tender, shreddable meat that soaks up the sauce well.

→ Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, stovetop cooking with gentle simmering recreates the creamy sauce and tender chicken in less than 30 minutes.

→ Which pasta types complement this dish?

Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne hold the creamy sauce well and mix evenly with the shredded chicken.

→ How do I achieve the best sauce consistency?

Combining parmesan garlic sauce with cream cheese and milk, then slow cooking or simmering, ensures a smooth and rich texture.

→ Can I add extra spices or toppings?

Absolutely! Red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or extra parmesan on top enhance the flavors and presentation.