Creamy & Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A TikTok Sensation!
Craving a comforting, incredibly flavorful pasta dish that practically cooks itself? You have to try this viral Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe! Made popular on TikTok for its ridiculously easy preparation and irresistible taste, this dish features tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and the unmistakable kick of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce, all brought together in a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s the perfect match for rotini noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that the entire family will absolutely adore – especially on busy weeknights.
If you’re seeking another stress-free crockpot meal idea, don’t miss this simple 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken recipe for a flavorful alternative.
When your menu rotation calls for an effortless dump-and-go crockpot meal, this slow cooker parmesan garlic chicken pasta is your ultimate solution. It’s a substantial and comforting dish that promises to be a family favorite, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when time is precious but you still want a homemade meal that feels special.
With just 6 essential ingredients (plus an optional fresh garnish), this delectable pasta dish comes together with minimal effort. The true hero of this recipe is a bottle of authentic Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, readily available at most major grocery stores. We elevate this already fantastic sauce by blending it with smooth cream cheese, a touch of milk, and generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan to craft the creamiest, most intensely flavorful sauce imaginable. The combination of savory cheese and pungent garlic creates a flavor profile that is truly a match made in culinary heaven – don’t you agree?
For more quick and easy slow cooker meal inspirations, be sure to explore my popular Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches and the much-loved Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken. Both recipes are incredibly delicious and can be prepared using either chicken breasts or succulent chicken thighs, offering flexibility for your meal planning.
But for now, let’s dive into the details of creating this sensational parmesan chicken pasta recipe that has captured hearts (and taste buds) across the internet.
Essential Ingredients for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This section provides detailed notes on each ingredient and offers convenient substitution options to help you customize your meal. For precise measurements, a comprehensive list of all ingredients, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts — These provide a lean and tender protein base that readily absorbs the rich flavors of our creamy, garlicky sauce. For a slightly richer texture and flavor, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute; however, be mindful that cooking times might need slight adjustment to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and fall-apart tender.
- Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce — This is truly the “star of the show” and the secret to the dish’s incredible flavor profile! While I highly recommend the Buffalo Wild Wings brand for its authentic taste, feel free to use your favorite brand of parmesan garlic wing sauce, ensuring you use the same amount. The convenience of finding this sauce at your local grocery store means you don’t even need to make a trip to a BWW restaurant to enjoy this dish.
- Milk or Heavy Cream — Both options work well, but for an exceptionally rich and decadent sauce, heavy cream is the preferred choice. If opting for milk, whole milk will yield the creamiest results, contributing to a wonderfully smooth sauce texture. Lighter milk options might make the sauce a bit thinner.
- Cream Cheese — This essential ingredient plays a dual role: it not only helps to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency but also infuses it with an unparalleled richness and a delightful tanginess that balances the garlic and parmesan flavors beautifully. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese — To truly amplify the cheesy goodness of this dish, an extra dose of Parmesan is a must. After all, can one ever have too much cheese? I certainly don’t think so! Freshly shredded or grated Parmesan cheese offers the most intense flavor and melts wonderfully, but for those times when convenience is key, pre-packaged shredded Parmesan will also work perfectly.
- Rotini Pasta — Our recommended pasta shape for this recipe, its distinctive spiral twists are ideal for capturing and holding onto every last drop of the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. If rotini isn’t available or you prefer something different, other pasta shapes such as shells, penne, or bowties are excellent substitutes, as they also have nooks and crannies for the sauce to cling to.
- Fresh Parsley — An optional but highly recommended garnish, fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and a subtle, herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire dish, providing a lovely contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
Essential Equipment for This Slow Cooker Delight
To prepare this incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker parmesan garlic chicken pasta, you’ll only need a few basic tools from your kitchen:
- 6-quart slow cooker (or larger) — The star appliance for this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking and tender results. A larger slow cooker can accommodate more chicken and pasta, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Liquid measuring cup — Essential for accurately measuring the milk or heavy cream to ensure the perfect sauce consistency.
- Colander — Needed for draining your cooked pasta to remove excess water before combining it with the creamy chicken sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
This section provides a visual, step-by-step guide with accompanying photos and detailed instructions for preparing this delicious recipe. For the complete printable recipe card with all measurements and nutritional information, please scroll down to the end of this post.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base. Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker insert. If your slow cooker tends to have food stick, a light spray of cooking oil or a slow cooker liner can prevent this and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Sauce. Generously pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce directly over the chicken breasts. Ensure the sauce covers the chicken as much as possible for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base. Don’t let any of that delicious sauce go to waste! Pour your chosen milk or heavy cream into the empty sauce bottle, secure the lid, and give it a good shake to dislodge any leftover sauce clinging to the sides. Then, pour this milky mixture into the slow cooker, adding to the rich base.
Step 4: Introduce the Cream Cheese. Carefully place the blocks of cream cheese directly on top of the chicken breasts. As the dish cooks, the cream cheese will melt down, blending seamlessly into the sauce to create its signature creamy texture.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover your slow cooker and cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it’s fork-tender and shreds effortlessly. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the thickness of your chicken.
Step 6: Shred and Combine. Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to easily shred the tender chicken right inside the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly into the creamy sauce until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into a smooth consistency.
Step 7: Cook and Mix the Pasta. While the chicken is cooking or just before it’s done, prepare your chosen pasta (such as rotini, shells, or penne) according to the package directions, ensuring it’s cooked al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to absorb sauce and soften slightly in the slow cooker. Drain the cooked pasta well and then add it directly into the crockpot, stirring gently until every piece of pasta is gloriously coated with the rich garlic parmesan sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve. For a beautiful presentation and an added touch of freshness, garnish the finished dish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Looking for the perfect accompaniments to complete this savory parmesan chicken pasta recipe? You truly can’t go wrong by pairing it with a side of warm, crusty bread. Options like homemade air fryer garlic bread or simple Italian seasoned bread are fantastic for soaking up every last drop of that delectable, creamy sauce. To introduce a refreshing contrast and lightness to the meal, consider serving a vibrant salad such as this easy Olive Garden Italian salad recipe or a hearty antipasto salad. For a well-rounded and nutritious dinner, also try pairing it with some steamed or roasted vegetables, like crisp green beans, tender asparagus, or even some sautéed spinach.
To elevate your dining experience, enjoy this rich and satisfying meal with a perfectly chilled glass of white wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio would beautifully complement the creamy, garlicky flavors of the pasta.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator: To store any delicious leftovers, transfer the parmesan garlic chicken pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat the dish, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop, or use your microwave. You may find that the sauce thickens significantly in the fridge, so feel free to add a splash of milk or heavy cream while reheating to bring it back to its desired creamy consistency.
Freezer: If you plan to freeze this meal for future enjoyment, I strongly recommend freezing only the chicken and sauce mixture, leaving out the pasta. The texture and taste of cooked pasta can be altered when frozen and then thawed, often becoming mushy. Simply freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months for best quality.
When you’re ready to prepare your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta from the freezer, thaw the chicken and sauce mixture overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, warm it up on the stovetop or back in your slow cooker. Then, cook your pasta fresh according to package directions, and mix everything together. As with refrigerated leftovers, you might need to add a little extra milk or heavy cream to thin out the sauce to your liking after it has been frozen and reheated.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Avoid overcooking the pasta: This is crucial for optimal texture. Cook your pasta just to the al dente stage – firm to the bite. Remember, it will continue to absorb some of the hot sauce and soften further once combined in the slow cooker. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy texture that detracts from the dish.
- Adjust sauce consistency: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. If you find the sauce too thick for your preference, simply stir in a little more milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess. Conversely, for a thicker, richer sauce, you could reduce the liquid slightly or incorporate an additional ounce or two of cream cheese earlier in the cooking process.
- Reheating considerations: Be aware that the creamy sauce will naturally thicken quite a bit when stored in the refrigerator. When reheating leftovers, it’s almost always necessary to thin it out with a splash of milk or heavy cream to restore its smooth, pourable texture.
- Alternative chicken presentation: While shredding the chicken creates a wonderful, cohesive dish, you don’t have to stick to it. If you prefer, you can serve the cooked chicken breasts whole, or cut them into cubes before mixing them into the sauce. This offers a different texture and visual appeal.
- Pasta alternatives: If you’re not in the mood for pasta, this incredibly saucy chicken mixture is remarkably versatile! It would be absolutely fabulous served over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Enhance garlic flavor: For garlic lovers, consider adding 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic to the slow cooker along with the chicken and sauce. This will deepen the garlic notes without overpowering the dish.
- Low-fat options: If you’re looking to lighten up the dish slightly, you can opt for low-fat cream cheese and 2% milk instead of their full-fat counterparts. While the sauce might be slightly less rich, it will still be delicious.
Delicious Additions and Creative Variations
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- Make it low carb: Easily reduce the carbohydrate content of this satisfying dish by simply eliminating the pasta. Instead, serve the flavorful parmesan garlic chicken over a bed of fresh zoodles (zucchini noodles), cauliflower rice, or a generous pile of steamed broccoli for a delicious and healthy alternative.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: For an additional layer of sweet, tangy flavor and a delightful chewy texture, stir in about 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) during the last hour of cooking. They pair beautifully with garlic and Parmesan.
- Boost it with veggies: Incorporate more greens into your diet by adding some fresh spinach or frozen broccoli florets to the creamy garlic sauce. If using frozen broccoli, toss it into the slow cooker about an hour before you plan on serving the pasta to allow it to cook through. For fresh spinach, add it about 30 minutes before serving, giving it just enough time to wilt into the sauce.
- Make it with mushrooms: For a meatier texture and a rich, earthy flavor, sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (like cremini or button) until golden brown. Add them to the slow cooker near the end of the cooking process, about 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing them to absorb the sauce’s flavors.
- Use different cheeses: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of cheese for a unique twist. Try incorporating Asiago for a sharper, nuttier flavor, or Pecorino Romano for a bolder, saltier kick, either in addition to or as a partial substitute for the Parmesan. A touch of provolone could also add a nice creamy stretch.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily “spice up” this dish. Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce mixture at the beginning of cooking, or include a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a subtle warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Make it gluten-free: To ensure this meal is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, simply confirm that your chosen parmesan garlic sauce is gluten-free. Then, select your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta and cook it according to package directions before combining with the chicken and sauce.
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta FAQ
Yes, it is perfectly safe and common practice to place raw chicken directly into a slow cooker. The consistent, low heat of the slow cooker ensures that the chicken cooks thoroughly over an extended period, reaching a safe internal temperature. For peace of mind, you can always use a meat thermometer to verify that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which is the recommended safe cooking temperature for all poultry, according to the USDA.
For this particular recipe, browning the chicken before adding it to the crockpot is not a necessary step. The chicken will cook beautifully and absorb all the flavors in the slow cooker without pre-browning. However, if you desire an extra layer of depth and a slightly crispier exterior texture, you can certainly sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little oil for a few minutes per side before placing it into the slow cooker. This step is purely for preference and not a requirement for a delicious outcome.
It is generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker for food safety reasons. Frozen chicken takes a prolonged time to thaw and reach a safe cooking temperature, which can unfortunately increase the risk of harmful bacterial growth. To ensure safety and the best results, always thaw your chicken thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before placing it in the crockpot.
The level of spiciness in this dish is quite subjective, as some individuals might perceive a slight kick from the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce, while others find it mild. I personally don’t find it spicy. If you are sensitive to spice, I recommend doing a small taste test of the sauce before adding the entire bottle to the slow cooker. If it’s too strong for your liking, you can pour in only half of the bottle initially and compensate by adding a little extra milk or heavy cream and additional Parmesan cheese to mellow the flavors.
Absolutely! Adding vegetables to this chicken pasta is an excellent way to boost its nutritional value and introduce more texture and color. Frozen broccoli florets are a particularly great addition. For best results, stir them into the slow cooker approximately one hour before you plan on serving the pasta to ensure they are cooked through but still retain some texture.
Certainly! The beauty of pasta dishes is their versatility with shapes. You can absolutely use any type of pasta you prefer, such as shells, bowtie pasta (farfalle), penne, or even rigatoni. The key is to ensure you cook your chosen pasta al dente according to the package instructions before you add it to the slow cooker, so it retains a pleasant bite and doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.
The consistency of your sauce can be easily adjusted. If it’s too thin, you can remove a cup of the sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour) until smooth, then return it to the slow cooker and stir until thickened. For a sauce that’s too thick, simply stir in additional milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and sauce mixture entirely ahead of time. Store it separately from the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken and sauce, then cook fresh pasta and combine. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft or mushy, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Savor
We hope you thoroughly enjoyed preparing and tasting this incredibly easy crockpot recipe. Nothing quite hits the spot and brings comfort like a hearty plate of good ol’ pasta. If you’re like us and can’t get enough of delicious pasta dishes, here are a few more of our absolute favorite recipes that are perfect for feeding your family or even a larger crowd:
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
- Fun Pizza Pasta Casserole
- Hearty Beef Enchilada Pasta
- Classic Penne alla Vodka with Prosciutto – a true family favorite!
- Effortless One Pot Spinach Pasta
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Author: Jaclyn
10 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 10 minutes
6
Saved!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces Parmesan Garlic wing sauce
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese cut into blocks
- 4 ounces parmesan cheese shaved or shredded
- 16 ounces rotini or pasta of your choice
- fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Pour the bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
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Fill the sauce bottle with milk and shake to get out any remaining sauce. Pour into the slow cooker.
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Add the cream cheese on top of the chicken.
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Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
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Shred the chicken using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken and parmesan cheese into the sauce.
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Cook pasta al dente according to the instructions on the box. Add drained pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
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Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Try adding some frozen broccoli to your slow cooker an hour before serving for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, I recommend stirring in a bit of milk to help thin out the sauce to its original creamy consistency.
Nutrition
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