If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s as easy to make as it is crowd-pleasing, let me introduce you to Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, velvety cream cheese, tangy garlic parmesan wing sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a creamy, garlicky hug in a bowl. The best part is you can toss everything into your slow cooker and come back to a home filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and parmesan—it’s a guaranteed weeknight win that everyone at your table will crave again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients come together to make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta truly unforgettable. Every item plays a role, whether it’s building savory depth, creamy richness, or the perfect hint of garlic. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 lbs): The chicken is the star, becoming fall-apart tender and soaking up all those savory flavors as it cooks.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sauce’s garlicky profile for bold flavor in every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the aromatics, giving subtle depth and sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors so the creamy sauce and chicken shine.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Provides moisture and a savory base for slow cooking.
- Garlic parmesan wing sauce (16 oz bottle): This secret weapon delivers tang, creaminess, and a zesty garlic punch—Buffalo Wild Wings sauce is a favorite, but any brand works.
- Cream cheese (8 oz block, cubed): Melts into the dish for a luscious, dreamy sauce you’ll want to lick off the spoon.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Intensifies the parmesan flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Penne or rotini pasta (12 oz, cooked and drained): These shapes do an amazing job holding onto the creamy sauce in every curve and crevice.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Brings a pop of fresh, herby color and brightens up each serving.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by nestling your chicken breasts right into the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This first burst of seasoning sets your chicken up for maximum flavor as it cooks low and slow, soaking in every bit of goodness from the get-go.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
With your chicken in place, pour in the chicken broth and that glorious bottle of garlic parmesan wing sauce. Toss in the cubed cream cheese and grated parmesan cheese—don’t worry about melting; the slow cooker will take care of that magic for you!
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on, set your crockpot to low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours. Kick back and let your house fill up with the most inviting aroma. You want the chicken to be ultra-tender and easy to shred when it’s done.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is cooked through, lift it out and shred it with two forks—this is where it gets that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, then stir the whole creamy sauce together until it looks silky, cheesy, and irresistible.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Fold your cooked penne or rotini into the sauce and chicken mixture, making sure every piece is coated in that creamy, garlicky goodness. Pop the lid back on and let everything heat through together for about 15 to 20 minutes. This lets the pasta soak up even more flavor and ensures your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is hot and ready to serve!
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
This pasta absolutely dazzles with a generous dusting of freshly chopped parsley over the top. Don’t be shy—parsley not only adds eye-catching color but also a welcome touch of freshness to balance the creamy sauce. A light sprinkle of extra grated parmesan just before serving can never hurt, either!
Side Dishes
Pair your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or go big with buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans offer a healthy, colorful complement to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner twist, pile the pasta into shallow bowls and top each with a handful of baby spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes. Serving family-style from the crockpot at the table encourages seconds (and maybe even thirds). For elegant entertaining, plate individual servings with a delicate swirl of sauce and finish with microgreens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and intensify overnight, making for a fantastic lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best texture, consider undercooking the pasta just a bit if you know you’ll be freezing ahead of time.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, or warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. The cheese and cream in the sauce mean gentle reheating is best to avoid separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken besides breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and become just as tender, giving your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a richer flavor thanks to the extra juiciness of dark meat.
What’s the best substitute for garlic parmesan wing sauce?
If you can’t find garlic parmesan wing sauce, mix together equal parts ranch dressing and your favorite Alfredo sauce with a generous spoonful of minced garlic. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll come satisfyingly close!
Can I add veggies to the crockpot?
Yes—toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or even chopped bell pepper right before you add the pasta. This adds both color and nutrition, transforming Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into a complete one-pot meal.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the regular penne or rotini, and double-check that your wing sauce and chicken broth are certified gluten-free!
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly or let the pasta sit in the sauce for a few extra minutes before serving. For a thinner, silkier sauce, add a splash more broth or milk as you stir in the pasta until you hit your perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a comforting slow-cooker meal that’s bursting with flavor and creamy richness, give Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a spot on your dinner table. This recipe never fails to impress, whether it’s for family night or easy entertaining. Just one bite and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved favorite—so gather those ingredients and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting tonight!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful meal with this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken simmered in a garlic parmesan sauce with cream cheese and Parmesan, served over pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken in crockpot, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken broth, garlic parmesan wing sauce, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred, and return to crockpot.
- Finish Dish: Stir in pasta, cook for additional 15-20 minutes. Serve garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, reduce broth or let pasta sit longer.
- Try adding steamed broccoli or spinach for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
