Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe makes a creamy, comforting pasta dish with garlic Parmesan flavor and is a breeze thanks to the slow cooker!

Ingredients

  • 3 large chicken breasts (about 4 lbs total)
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 bottles Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce (12 oz each)
  • 1/4 cup milk (for getting all the sauce from the bottles)
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cut into small cubes for easier melting
  • 8 oz grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 cups, divided into 1.5 cups for cooking and 0.5 cups for garnishing)
  • 1 box (16 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite kind)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley for color

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Chicken

  1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, and season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sprinkle the diced onion over the chicken. The onion adds extra flavor and will soften as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Sauces and Cheese

  1. Pour the two bottles of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken and onions.
  2. To get every bit of the sauce from the bottles, add 1/4 cup milk to each bottle, cap, and shake well. Pour this milk mixture into the crock pot to add a bit more creaminess.
  3. Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the top. The smaller pieces help it melt more evenly into the sauce.

Step 3: Add Parmesan Cheese

  1. Add 1.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce and cream cheese. Save the remaining 0.5 cup for later.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

  1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork when it’s done.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

  1. Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot onto a plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix well to evenly distribute it in the sauce.

Step 6: Prepare the Pasta

  1. About 15-20 minutes before the chicken is done cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook until it’s al dente (still slightly firm when bitten), according to package instructions.
  3. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse, as the starch will help the sauce adhere better.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Sauce

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot, gently stirring to coat every piece in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch more salt or black pepper.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

  1. Sprinkle the reserved 0.5 cup of Parmesan cheese on top, allowing it to melt into the pasta.
  2. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and a touch of freshness.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful garlic Parmesan chicken pasta!

Additional Tips

  • Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, stir in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or baby spinach before serving.
  • Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cream cheese, or stir in a splash of heavy cream when combining the pasta.
  • Garnish Suggestions: A few red pepper flakes for heat or chopped chives for a mild onion flavor can enhance the presentation and taste.

Enjoy this easy, family-friendly meal that comes together beautifully in the slow cooker!

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