If you’re in search of a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s incredibly easy to make, look no further than this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. With minimal prep and the convenience of your slow cooker, this dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, creating a delectable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish:
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: This flavorful sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and garlicky kick to the dish. If you can’t find this specific brand, you can substitute with a similar garlic Parmesan sauce.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, these chicken breasts become incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in the crockpot.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce and helps to blend all the flavors together.
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into blocks: Provides a rich, creamy texture and balances out the tanginess of the Parmesan sauce.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor of the sauce and gives the dish a delightful depth of taste.
- 12 oz pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. The pasta will cook in the sauce and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crockpot
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. No need to pre-cook the chicken; it will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Add Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken breasts. This sauce will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
- Add Milk: Pour in 1 cup of milk. This helps to thin out the sauce slightly and adds creaminess.
- Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into blocks and place it on top of the chicken. As the cream cheese melts, it will blend into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Season: If desired, add salt and pepper to taste. The Parmesan garlic sauce is already quite flavorful, so be cautious with additional seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Set the Crockpot: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable when it’s done.
- Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken breasts directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine thoroughly.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: About 15 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Add to Crockpot: Drain the pasta and add it to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir well to combine the pasta with the creamy sauce.
4. Finish and Serve
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, adding extra cheesy goodness.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and sauce, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Scoop the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use Chicken Thighs: For even more flavor and tenderness, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They’ll become wonderfully tender in the slow cooker.
- Pasta Texture: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook the pasta separately and stir it into the sauce right before serving. If you like a creamier consistency, let the pasta cook in the sauce.
- Add Veggies: For a more well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers. Add these during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay tender but not overcooked.
- Freezing and Reheating: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme can be added for extra flavor and freshness. Sprinkle chopped herbs over the pasta before serving.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for different flavor profiles. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the richness of the dish.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish delivers a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this easy crockpot creation!
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