Introduction
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all made effortlessly in your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy families, as it requires minimal preparation and allows you to set it and forget it until mealtime. With the rich flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous Parmesan Garlic Sauce mingling with creamy cheese and succulent chicken, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers convenience and comfort, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Detailed Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts are the star of this dish, providing a juicy protein base. Boneless and skinless options make preparation easy and keep the dish light.
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
1 (12 oz.) Bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce brings the unique flavor profile that makes this dish stand out. Its rich garlic and Parmesan notes create a savory sauce that contributes to the overall richness of the pasta dish.
Milk
1 cup Milk is added to the sauce to create a creamy texture that helps blend the flavors seamlessly. It also lightens the sauce a bit, balancing richness with creaminess.
Cream Cheese
8 oz. Cream Cheese, cut into blocks, adds extra creaminess to the dish. It melts beautifully, enriching the sauce, and creating a luscious coating for the chicken and pasta.
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese further enhances the cheesy flavor and adds depth to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan can elevate the dish even more, although pre-shredded works just fine.
Pasta
12 oz. Pasta of your choice, such as penne or rotini, will serve as the comforting base for this delicious combination. The pasta absorbs all the fantastic flavors from the sauce, making every bite delightful.
Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
This dish can be prepped quickly, making it a go-to option for busy evenings. With minimal chopping and measuring required, you’ll have it ready for the crockpot in no time.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including cook time)
Yield: Serves 6-8 people
This recipe yields generous portions, making it an excellent choice for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are laid out flat for even cooking.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Pour the entire 12 oz. bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate Milk
Rinse out the sauce bottle by filling it with 1 cup of milk and shaking well. Pour this mixture over the chicken and sauce in the crockpot to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
Cut 8 oz. of cream cheese into blocks and place them on top of the chicken and sauce. The cream cheese will melt as it cooks, enriching the overall taste.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Add 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Stir everything together gently to combine, ensuring that the chicken is coated with the sauce mixture.
Step 6: Set Cooking Time
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This gives the chicken enough time to cook through and become tender.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Mixing it back into the sauce will allow it to absorb even more flavors.
Step 8: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture.
Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and pour it into the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce thoroughly.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out generous portions of the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Serve hot, and savor the delightful combination of flavors.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the level of creaminess by adding more or less cream cheese or milk as per your preference. You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
Cook Techniques
Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld perfectly while ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender. Shredding the chicken back into the sauce redistributes the flavors throughout the dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour for the low setting or 30 minutes for the high setting.
What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta shape works well, but short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will hold the sauce nicely. Choose your favorite!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the sauce ingredients do not contain gluten.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them, then cook the next day for an easy, stress-free meal.
Conclusion
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only a hearty meal that everyone will love but also a breeze to make. This recipe combines convenience with deliciousness, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. Whether you are juggling responsibilities at home or want to impress guests with an exquisite dish, this recipe ticks all the boxes. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a family favorite, often requested at the dinner table. Enjoy the comfort of this dish today, and don’t forget to save leftovers for lunch; they taste even better the next day!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
For a seafood twist, try making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and served over premium pasta.
Chicken Alfredo
Another great option is Chicken Alfredo—a creamy, cheesy dish made with fettuccine, grilled chicken, and a homemade Alfredo sauce that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Veggie Pasta Primavera
For a lighter option, consider Veggie Pasta Primavera, packed with seasonal vegetables and lightly tossed in a garlic olive oil sauce.
Beef Stroganoff
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, Beef Stroganoff is rich and creamy, perfect served over egg noodles, and is a family-friendly favorite.
Mushroom Risotto
A vegetarian alternative could be Mushroom Risotto, where creamy Arborio rice meets earthy mushrooms—a comforting bowl of goodness.
These suggestions will not only cater to various tastes but also expand your repertoire in the kitchen. Enjoy your culinary journey!