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There’s something magical about the smell of creamy garlic sauce bubbling away in the slow cooker—especially when it takes almost no effort. The first time I made this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it was a rainy Tuesday and I needed comfort food fast. This recipe delivered big on flavor, warmth, and that cheesy pull-apart goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
In This Guide
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If “dump and go” meals are your weeknight heroes, this one’s going straight to the top of your list. With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ve got chicken soaking up creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan flavor all afternoon. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and made for real-life kitchens. Think creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta wrapped in all that rich goodness—yes, please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple staples that transform into a luscious, comforting meal:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – trim and season with salt and pepper.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce – the star of the dish.
- Cream cheese, parmesan, and milk – for that velvety, tangy creaminess.
- Rotini, penne, or bow tie pasta – anything sturdy that holds sauce well.
Optional add-ins include baby spinach, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley for color and a little kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk like oat or almond.
- Gluten-free? Swap the pasta for gluten-free versions or serve it over rice or mashed potatoes.
- No Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce? No worries. You can make your own with mayo, garlic, parmesan, and seasonings (full DIY version below!).
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here’s how to make this creamy slow cooker favorite in just a few steps:
- Season and layer: Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the top.
- Use the sauce bottle for milk: Fill the empty bottle with milk, shake to get every last drop of flavor, then pour it into the crockpot.
- Add cheeses: Drop in the cream cheese cubes and grated parmesan. Stir to coat the chicken.
- Cook: Set on high for 2–3 hours or low for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred & stir: Remove the chicken, shred or dice it, and return it to the sauce.
- Mix with pasta: Cook your pasta separately until al dente. Drain and stir it into the creamy chicken sauce.
Recipe Tips & Success Tricks
- Don’t overcook: Crockpots vary, so check the chicken around the 2.5-hour mark. It should be tender but not dry.
- Cream cheese last? Add it early, but stir it well once melted to avoid clumps.
- Too thin? Stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water or let the pasta absorb extra sauce.
- Want greens? Toss in a handful of fresh spinach at the end and stir until wilted.
Stovetop Version (Quick Alternative)
Need dinner in a flash? Here’s the 30-minute stovetop shortcut:
- Cook pasta and drain.
- In a large pot, add the garlic parmesan sauce, milk, cream cheese, and parmesan over medium heat. Stir until creamy.
- Add pre-cooked or shredded chicken.
- Simmer everything for about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the pasta, garnish with extra parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes—and dinner’s done.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth and warm in the microwave or oven at 375°F (covered) until heated through. From frozen? Reheat in the oven for about 1 hour or until 165°F internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook raw pasta directly in the crockpot?
It’s not ideal. Raw pasta tends to get mushy in slow cookers. For best texture, cook it separately and stir it in at the end.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for food safety and even cooking. If using frozen, cook on low for closer to 4 hours and ensure the internal temp reaches 165°F.
What if I can’t find Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
No problem! You can whip up a homemade version:
DIY Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
1 cup grated parmesan
½ cup mayo
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Blend until smooth and store airtight in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl—creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that fits real life: minimal prep, major flavor. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that’ll keep the family coming back for more.
Love creamy chicken dinners? Don’t miss the Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake or expand your crockpot collection with Crockpot Pepper Steak and Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken with Rice.
And if this recipe made your weeknight easier, share it on Pinterest or connect with us over on Facebook! Your support means everything.
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A Remarkable Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky flavor, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a cozy dinner made easy. Perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry family.
Ingredients
1 (12 oz) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
1.5 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
12 to 16 oz pasta (rotini, penne, bow ties), cooked per package
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place in the crockpot.
2. Pour garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken.
3. Fill empty sauce bottle with milk, shake, and pour it into the crockpot.
4. Add cream cheese and parmesan, stirring to coat the chicken.
5. Cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 3–4 hours.
6. Remove chicken, shred or dice it, and return to the sauce.
7. Cook pasta separately, drain, and stir into crockpot before serving.
Notes
Use 12 oz pasta for extra creamy sauce or 16 oz for a lighter coating.
Add spinach at the end and stir until wilted.
To thicken the sauce, simmer with lid off or stir in a slurry.
For a stovetop version, simmer the sauce with pre-cooked chicken and stir in pasta.
For a DIY sauce, combine mayo, parmesan, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1024mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 121mg