Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This dish combines tender chicken with creamy parmesan garlic sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a delightful addition to any dinner table. Its slow-cooked flavors meld beautifully, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply looking for a cozy meal at home, this recipe is your go-to choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can simply throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken and pasta.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to all ages, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
• Comforting and Hearty: This recipe offers warmth and satisfaction with every serving, ideal for any season.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors develop while you focus on other tasks.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accuracy in ingredients, leading to consistent results every time.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: Essential for safely preparing your chicken and other ingredients before cooking.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 (12 oz) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (trimmed)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes)
• ¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

For the Pasta

• 12 to 16 oz pasta, such as rotini or penne (cooked to package directions)

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the trimmed chicken breasts with kosher salt and fresh pepper. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 2: Pour in the Sauce

Pour the entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it’s well covered.

Step 3: Add Milk

Take the empty sauce bottle and add one cup of milk. Shake it well to combine any remaining sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken.

Step 4: Combine Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Add the cream cheese cubes and grated parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Stir everything together gently until all ingredients are combined and coated with sauce.

Step 5: Cook

Cover your slow cooker with a lid. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker onto a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it as preferred. Return it back into the crockpot.

Step 7: Prepare Pasta

Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and then add it into the crockpot with all other ingredients. Stir thoroughly to combine everything well before serving.

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and filling dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets add color and nutrients. Steam them lightly to maintain their crunch.
• Garlic Green Beans: Sauté green beans in olive oil with garlic for a flavorful and healthy side.
• Mixed Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers gives a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Toasted Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for an added crunch. You can season them with herbs for extra flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil to enhance its visual appeal and freshness.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta, making it an ideal choice for soaking up sauce.
• Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks seasoned with herbs can complement the dish well, providing another texture to enjoy.

How to Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add extra spices or seasonings to enhance the flavor of your chicken before cooking.
• Creamy consistency: For a creamier sauce, consider adding more cream cheese or adjusting the milk amount based on your preference.
• Cook time awareness: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can make the chicken dry. Use a meat thermometer if needed.
• Pasta timing: Cook pasta separately just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed in the crockpot.
• Layering technique: For better flavor distribution, layer ingredients carefully in the crockpot rather than just mixing everything together at once.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Pairing your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with delightful sides can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: These soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into your creamy sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and a tangy flavor that balances well with the richness of the pasta dish.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that complements the savory chicken nicely.
4. Coleslaw: A light coleslaw offers a refreshing bite and can help cut through the creaminess of the main dish.
5. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad packed with veggies provides protein and fiber, making it a nutritious accompaniment.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn can be grilled or boiled for a simple yet satisfying side that appeals to everyone at the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Bold sauce measurement: Using too little sauce can result in dry chicken. Ensure you use the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce for optimal moisture.
• Bold cooking time: Cooking the chicken too long may dry it out. Follow the recommended cook times based on your slow cooker settings for the best results.
• Bold mixing technique: Failing to stir well after adding pasta can leave some noodles uncoated. Make sure to mix everything together thoroughly before serving.
• Bold ingredient freshness: Using old cream cheese or expired sauces can affect flavor and texture. Always check expiration dates on your ingredients.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain quality.

Freezing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, portion into meal-sized servings before freezing.

Reheating Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish made with chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce cooked slowly for ultimate tenderness.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

It takes about 2-3 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low in the crockpot for the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.

Can I customize the pasta used in this recipe?

Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer such as rotini, penne, or even spaghetti. Just follow package directions for cooking times.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe stores well and is perfect for meal prep. You can easily portion it out for lunches throughout the week.

Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Conclusion

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a family favorite. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes for a personal touch that suits your taste!