Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy, Cheesy & Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food dinner for busy weeknights! Tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts are simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with cream cheese, milk, and plenty of shredded Parmesan. Once the chicken becomes perfectly tender, it is shredded and combined with pasta to create a creamy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can make a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce gives this recipe its signature savoury garlic flavour, while cream cheese and Parmesan create a smooth, cheesy finish.

Whether you’re feeding your family, preparing a cosy weekend meal, or looking for an easy meal-prep recipe, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
• Pasta Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes, depending on pasta type
• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz. cream cheese, cut into blocks
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz. pasta, such as penne, rotini, or bow-tie pasta
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water, if needed
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the sauce and cheese from sticking to the sides during cooking.

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. If the chicken breasts are especially thick, you can slice them horizontally into thinner pieces to help them cook more evenly.

Step 2: Add the Garlic Parmesan Sauce.

Pour the entire 12-ounce bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce evenly so every piece of chicken is coated.

Add the milk and gently stir it into the sauce around the chicken. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.

The milk helps loosen the thick sauce and creates a creamy base as everything cooks.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into smaller blocks and distribute them evenly over the chicken.

There is no need to stir everything completely at this stage. The cream cheese will soften as it heats and will be easier to incorporate into the sauce later.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Cooking times can vary, so always check the chicken with a food thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Avoid lifting the lid frequently because this releases heat and can increase the cooking time.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl.

Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also cut it into small chunks if you prefer a different texture.

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Make the Sauce Creamy

Stir the softened cream cheese into the cooking liquid until it is mostly smooth and combined.

Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a small splash of milk.

For an extra-smooth consistency, use a whisk to blend the sauce. Return the shredded chicken to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the chicken finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Avoid overcooking because the pasta will soften further when mixed with the hot sauce.

Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

Do not rinse the pasta, as the natural starch helps the creamy sauce cling to it.

Step 8: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir until every piece is coated with the garlic Parmesan chicken sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or milk until you reach your preferred consistency.

Let everything sit on WARM for approximately 5–10 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the delicious sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to a large serving dish or serve directly from the slow cooker.

Finish with freshly chopped parsley and extra shredded Parmesan cheese.

Serve warm with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner!

Description

This Crock-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce in one delicious, family-friendly meal.

The slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb the savoury flavours while becoming tender enough to shred easily. Cream cheese gives the sauce a velvety texture, and shredded Parmesan adds a delicious cheesy finish.

Cooking the pasta separately keeps it from becoming mushy and allows you to control its texture. Once combined, the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce, creating a comforting meal with plenty of flavour in every bite.

It’s an excellent option for busy families, casual gatherings, and anyone who loves easy slow cooker dinners.

Notes

1. Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully. Boneless chicken thighs can also be used, although they may require a slightly different cooking time.
2. Parmesan sauce: Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce provides the main flavour. Different brands or bottle sizes may produce slightly different results.
3. Cream cheese: Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese. Allow it to soften slightly for easier mixing.
4. Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
5. Pasta: Penne, rotini, rigatoni, and bow-tie pasta are all excellent choices.
6. Pasta cooking: Always cook pasta separately for the best texture. Adding uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker can cause uneven cooking and make the sauce too thick.
7. Sauce consistency: The sauce thickens as it cools. Add a little milk or reserved pasta water if necessary.
8. Salt: Taste before adding extra salt because the Parmesan sauce and cheese already contain sodium.

Helpful Tips for the Best Results

Don’t overcook the chicken: check the internal temperature to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F without becoming dry.

Soften the cream cheese: Cutting it into small blocks helps it soften more evenly in the slow cooker.

Use freshly grated Parmesan: it gives the sauce a smoother texture and richer cheese flavour.

Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds its shape better after being mixed with the warm sauce.

Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thinner consistency, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired texture.

Add vegetables: broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas can make this meal even more colourful and satisfying. Cook or steam firmer vegetables separately before mixing them in.

Serve immediately: this pasta is creamiest when freshly prepared. If it sits too long, the pasta will absorb more sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy chicken pasta with:

• Garlic bread or toasted French bread
• Fresh Caesar salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted green beans
• Sautéed zucchini
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
• Roasted asparagus

For an extra-special dinner, serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.

Nutritional Information

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 48 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1,100–1,400 mg

Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific Parmesan garlic sauce, pasta, cream cheese, and Parmesan brand used, as well as serving size.

Benefits of This Recipe

1. Provides Protein

Chicken breast and Parmesan cheese provide protein, which supports muscle maintenance and helps the body repair tissues.

2. Convenient Meal Preparation

The slow cooker handles most of the cooking, making this recipe convenient for busy evenings and family meal planning.

3. Satisfying Comfort Food

The combination of chicken, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce creates a filling meal that can help satisfy hunger.

4. Customisable Ingredients

You can add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to increase the variety of ingredients in your meal.

5. Family-Friendly Dinner

The creamy garlic Parmesan flavour is a delicious option for family dinners, and you can easily adjust the seasonings and pasta shape to suit different preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are naturally juicy and flavourful. Check that they reach a safe internal temperature before shredding.

Q2: Can I cook the pasta directly in the Crockpot?

It’s better to cook the pasta separately. Pasta cooked directly in the slow cooker can become mushy and absorb too much liquid, making the sauce overly thick.

Q3: Can I use a different Parmesan garlic sauce?

Absolutely! You can use another brand of Parmesan garlic sauce. Choose one with a flavor and thickness you enjoy. The final taste may vary depending on the brand.

Q4: Can I make this recipe less rich?

Yes. You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, lower-fat milk, and slightly less Parmesan cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change.

Q5: What pasta works best?

Penne and rotini are excellent choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Bow-tie pasta and rigatoni also work beautifully.

Q6: Can I add broccoli?

Definitely! Steam broccoli until just tender and stir it into the finished pasta. You can also add cooked spinach, peas, or mushrooms.

Q7: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use softened cream cheese, add Parmesan after the chicken has cooked, and stir gently until the cheese melts. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese.

Q8: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, refrigerate them promptly, and reheat thoroughly. Cook fresh pasta separately and combine before serving for the best texture.

Q9: How should I store leftovers?

Allow leftovers to cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. Store for up to 3–4 days.

Q10: Can I freeze Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, although creamy sauces may change texture after thawing. For better results, freeze the chicken mixture without pasta and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Q11: How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Heat until steaming hot throughout.

Q12: Is this recipe spicy?

The Parmesan garlic sauce is generally savory and garlicky rather than very spicy, but the flavor can vary by product. You can add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for better texture. Use within approximately 2 months for best quality.

Reheating: Add a splash of milk before reheating to help loosen the sauce. Heat thoroughly and stir well.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare. With tender shredded chicken, flavorful Parmesan garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dinner that brings everyone to the table.