This creamy pasta dish uses a slow cooker to create tender chicken and a rich garlic sauce with minimal effort. It is a practical solution for busy weeknight dinners that requires very little active preparation time.
List of ingredients
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts – seasoned with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce – provides the primary flavor base.
- 1 cup milk – helps thin and emulsify the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese – adds saltiness and thickness.
- 8 oz cream cheese bar – creates a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 box rotini pasta – chosen for its ability to hold thick sauces.
step-by-step instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add Base Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Rinse Sauce Bottle: Pour one cup of milk into the empty sauce bottle, replace the lid, and shake well to collect all remaining sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add one cup of shredded parmesan cheese into the crockpot, stir the ingredients, and spoon some sauce over the chicken to ensure full coverage.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place the 8 oz cream cheese bar on top of the chicken and cover the crockpot with the lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours or on the high setting for 3-4 hours.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir.
- Boil Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta in a separate pot according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Combine: Drain the cooked pasta and fold it into the chicken and sauce mixture in the crockpot.
- Final Touch: Top the dish with additional parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Cooking Tips for Optimal Results
Using Chicken Thighs for Increased Moisture
Replacing chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs can prevent the meat from drying out during long cook times. Thighs contain more fat and connective tissue, which results in a more succulent texture. The cooking time remains the same, but the final dish will be richer.
Maintaining Pasta Texture
Always cook the pasta separately and stop at the al dente stage. If pasta is overcooked before being added to the slow cooker, it will become mushy as it absorbs the sauce. Boiling in salted water ensures the noodles have their own flavor before hitting the sauce.
Ensuring a Smooth Sauce Emulsion
Stir the sauce thoroughly after shredding the chicken to fully incorporate the melted cream cheese. If you notice clumps, use a whisk to blend the sauce before adding the pasta. This ensures every noodle is evenly coated in a velvety texture.
Selecting the Proper Crockpot Size
Use a 6-quart slow cooker to avoid overcrowding the chicken. Overfilling the pot can lead to uneven heat distribution, meaning some pieces of chicken may undercook while others overcook. Ensure there is enough room to stir the pasta in at the end.
Optimizing the Sauce Bottle Rinse
Shaking the milk in the sauce bottle is a critical step to ensure no flavor is wasted. The viscosity of the Parmesan Garlic sauce causes it to cling to the sides of the plastic bottle. This rinse captures the concentrated flavor needed for the sauce’s consistency.
Customizations and Flavor Variations
Incorporating Fresh Spinach
Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of the slow cooking process. The residual heat will wilt the spinach without overcooking it. This adds color and nutritional value to the meal without altering the primary flavor profile.
Increasing the Heat Level
While the base sauce has a mild kick, adding 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes during the initial seasoning stage increases the spice. For a more intense heat, you can stir in a small amount of cayenne pepper or sriracha at the end. This balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Alternative Pasta Shape Options
Cavatappi or penne pasta serve as excellent substitutes for rotini. These shapes have hollow centers or ridges that trap the heavy garlic parmesan sauce efficiently. Avoid using thin pastas like spaghetti, as they can break apart under the weight of the chunky chicken.
Adding Sautéed Mushrooms
Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms in a pan with a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. Adding them raw can release too much water, thinning the sauce. Sautéing first concentrates the earthy flavor and maintains the sauce’s thickness.
Using Heavy Cream for Extra Richness
Replace the cup of milk with heavy cream to create a more indulgent, restaurant-style sauce. Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which prevents the sauce from breaking at high temperatures. This results in a thicker coating on the pasta.
Adding Diced Roasted Garlic
Stir in a tablespoon of roasted garlic paste along with the parmesan cheese. This deepens the garlic profile beyond what the bottled sauce provides. It adds a sweet, caramelized note that complements the saltiness of the parmesan.
Serving Recommendations
Pairing with Steamed Green Beans
Serve this pasta with a side of lightly steamed green beans tossed in lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and parmesan. This creates a balanced meal with a fresh, crisp contrast.
Complementing with a Crisp Side Salad
A simple garden salad with a balsamic vinaigrette is an ideal accompaniment. The vinegar in the dressing helps cleanse the palate between bites of the heavy sauce. Use mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for maximum freshness.
Serving with Toasted Garlic Bread
Warm slices of toasted baguette with butter and garlic powder enhance the meal. The crunch of the bread provides a textural contrast to the soft pasta and tender chicken. Use the bread to scoop up any remaining sauce from the plate.
Garnishing with Fresh Parsley
Finely chop fresh Italian parsley and sprinkle it over the dish just before serving. The bright green color makes the dish more visually appealing. Parsley also adds a clean, herbal note that lightens the overall flavor.
Storage and Food Safety
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator immediately after cooling. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the pasta from absorbing odors from other foods. This keeps the sauce from forming a hard skin on top.
Maximum Storage Duration
Keep the refrigerated chicken pasta for no more than 3 to 4 days. Beyond this point, the quality of the chicken may decline and the pasta will continue to absorb liquid. If the sauce looks too thick after a few days, it is a sign the pasta is over-absorbing.
Freezing Considerations
It is not recommended to freeze this dish because the cream cheese and milk can separate upon thawing. The pasta also tends to become grainy and soft after being frozen and thawed. For best results, only make enough for a few days of consumption.
Safe Cooling Procedures
Do not leave the crockpot on the ‘warm’ setting for more than two hours after cooking. Transfer leftovers to shallow containers to allow them to cool quickly before refrigerating. This prevents the food from staying in the temperature danger zone too long.
Reheating Instructions
Stovetop Reheating Method
Place the leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to prevent the bottom from scorching and to reintegrate the fats in the sauce.
Microwave Reheating Tips
Heat the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between each session. The damp towel creates steam, which prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery.
Restoring Sauce Creaminess
Add one tablespoon of heavy cream or a small knob of butter during the reheating process. This restores the emulsion of the cream cheese and parmesan. Stirring in a bit of liquid prevents the sauce from becoming a thick paste.
Avoiding Overheating
Heat the dish only until it is steaming, but do not let it boil. Overheating the sauce can cause the fats to separate, leaving an oily residue on top. Low and slow heat is always best for dairy-based sauces.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Fixing a Thin Sauce
If the sauce is too runny, stir in an extra handful of shredded parmesan cheese and let it simmer on low for 15 minutes. The cheese acts as a natural thickener. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce without the lid for a short time to reduce the liquid.
Resolving Clumpy Cream Cheese
If the cream cheese does not melt fully, use a handheld immersion blender directly in the crockpot. Blend for a few seconds until the sauce is smooth. If you don’t have a blender, whisk vigorously while the pot is on the high setting.
Preventing Dry Chicken
Avoid using the high setting for the full duration if you are using lean chicken breasts. Cooking on low for 6 hours is generally safer for maintaining moisture. If the chicken is already dry, add a bit more milk to the final sauce to compensate.
Addressing Over-Salty Flavor
If the bottled sauce and parmesan make the dish too salty, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The acidity neutralizes the perception of salt. You can also stir in a few tablespoons of unsweetened Greek yogurt to mellow the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand of sauce?
Yes, any garlic parmesan wing sauce will work. If the substitute is thinner than the Buffalo Wild Wings version, you may need to add an extra ounce of cream cheese to maintain the desired thickness.
Is it possible to use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken, but it is safer to thaw it first. If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low to ensure the center reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I cook the pasta in the crockpot?
It is not recommended to cook the dry pasta in the slow cooker. Pasta releases starch that can make the sauce gummy and the noodles often overcook or become mushy. Boiling separately ensures the best texture.
What can I use instead of milk?
Unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative. For a richer result, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream. Avoid using coconut milk unless you want a distinct coconut flavor in the dish.
How do I make this recipe lower in calories?
Use a low-fat version of cream cheese and skim milk. You can also replace half of the pasta with steamed cauliflower florets to reduce the overall carbohydrate and calorie count while maintaining the volume.
Print
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
You will love Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! With juicy chicken, creamy pasta, and minimal effort, it’s a great option for busy weeknights that the entire family will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese bar
- 1 box rotini pasta
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot and season them on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Pour an entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken.
- Step 3: Pour a cup of milk into the empty sauce bottle, shake well to loosen the remaining sauce, and pour the mixture on top of the chicken.
- Step 4: Add a cup of parmesan cheese into the crockpot, stir everything together, and spoon some sauce on top of the chicken breasts to coat them.
- Step 5: Place the bar of cream cheese on top of the chicken and put the lid on your crockpot.
- Step 6: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 7: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it using 2 forks, and return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot to stir.
- Step 8: Cook the Rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and add the cooked pasta to the crockpot.
- Step 9: Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Serve with a side of green beans, peas, or a side salad. You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or rotini with Cavatappi or penne pasta. To make extra sauce, add a splash of milk, heavy cream, or chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 3.9 g
- Sodium: 757 mg
- Fat: 25.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 10.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39.2 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 25.1 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg