Description
Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home? This easy crockpot version delivers all the flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken, a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) parmesan garlic sauce (see notes)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk (2% or whole milk is best)
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot. Lightly spray the insert of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken and sauce from sticking to the bottom and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared crockpot. Pour the entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce and chicken. Add the softened cream cheese, distributing it in dollops around the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Milk and Mix Slightly. After emptying the parmesan garlic sauce bottle, add the milk to the bottle. Secure the lid and shake well to dislodge any remaining sauce clinging to the sides. Pour this milky mixture over the chicken and other ingredients in the crockpot. This step ensures you get every last bit of flavor from the sauce bottle and helps to thin the sauce slightly for even cooking. Use a spoon to distribute the cream cheese among the other ingredients
Step 4: Cook the Chicken. Cover the crockpot with the lid. Cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours or on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so check the chicken for doneness. The chicken is ready when it is easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Shred the Chicken. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the lid from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Alternatively, you can use an electric hand mixer to shred the chicken right in the crockpot for an even finer texture. Be careful not to scratch the crockpot’s surface if using an electric mixer. Stir everything together well to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce, melted cream cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta. While the chicken is cooking in the crockpot, prepare the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Cook the pasta to your preferred level of doneness – whether you prefer it al dente or slightly softer. Remember to salt the pasta water generously for the best flavor.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, but do not rinse it. Rinsing the pasta removes some of the starch, which helps the sauce adhere to the noodles. Immediately add the drained pasta to the crockpot with the parmesan chicken mixture. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Adjust Consistency (Optional). If you find that the pasta is too thick for your liking, reserve some of the pasta water before draining. Add a little bit of the pasta water to the crockpot until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin the sauce. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the sauce watery. You may not need to use all of the pasta, depending on your preference.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy! Serve the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm. Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. The crockpot does most of the work, allowing you to set it and forget it. The result is a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is incredibly addictive, and the tender shredded chicken is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, this recipe is easily customizable. You can adjust the amount of garlic parmesan sauce to your liking, add vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or use different types of pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Cooking Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a boost of nutrients and color.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve it as a comforting casserole by topping it with breadcrumbs and baking it in the oven until golden brown.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and whole milk.
- If you don’t have parmesan garlic sauce on hand, you can make your own by combining melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning.
- To prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy, cook it al dente.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This recipe is also great with other types of protein, such as shrimp or sausage.
- Make it ahead of time: Prepare the chicken mixture in the crockpot and refrigerate it overnight. Add the pasta just before serving.
- Freeze for later: Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
Total Time:
Approximately 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes on low or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes on high
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving
- Protein: 40-50 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800-1200 mg per serving
Conclusion
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a taste of comfort food heaven!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the crockpot. Adding frozen chicken directly to the crockpot can affect the cooking time and may result in uneven cooking. Thawing the chicken beforehand ensures that it cooks properly and evenly.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A2: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas all work well. Add the vegetables during the last hour of cooking so they don’t become overcooked and mushy.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Yes, you can substitute rotini pasta with other types of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use. Be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions to ensure it is cooked to your liking.
Q4: What can I use as a substitute for parmesan garlic sauce?
A4: If you can’t find parmesan garlic sauce, you can make your own using a combination of melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Adjust the ratios to your taste preference. A simple recipe might include: 1/2 cup melted butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Q5: How can I store leftovers?
A5: Allow the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to add some moisture.
