If you love a rich and creamy pasta dish with a little kick, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will hit the spot. It’s simple to throw together and simmers all day, infusing the chicken with flavorful parmesan garlic sauce that’s perfectly spicy.
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 (any pasta works – penne, rotini, or fettuccine are all great options)
Instructions:
- Layer the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. Then, fill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake it up, and pour that into the crockpot as well. - Add Cream Cheese:
Cut the cream cheese into blocks and add it to the crockpot. It will melt perfectly into the sauce as it cooks, adding richness and creaminess. - Stir in Parmesan:
Add the shredded Parmesan cheese into the crockpot and give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure the chicken is coated with all the ingredients. - Cook:
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Then, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to combine. - Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Once the chicken is shredded and mixed back in, add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Stir everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. - Serve:
Once everything is combined, your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready to serve. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy goodness!
Notes:
- Spice Level: This recipe is on the spicy side due to the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, which has a nice heat to it. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use a milder garlic parmesan sauce or reduce the amount of sauce used.
- Pasta Choices: Any type of pasta will work here, but a sturdier one like penne or rotini is great for soaking up all that creamy sauce. If you prefer a long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, those will work too!
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, you could toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach into the crockpot along with the pasta. It will add some nice color and balance the richness of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option here and will be extra juicy and flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using bone-in thighs.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and then reheat when ready to serve. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: Yes, this recipe freezes well. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: How can I make this less spicy?
A: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce or swap it with a milder garlic parmesan sauce. You could also add a bit of cream or extra cheese to tone down the heat.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a must-try for fans of creamy, cheesy dishes with just the right amount of heat. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without a lot of prep. The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! 🧀🍝🔥