Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that brings rich flavors together in one pot. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With a creamy sauce and tender chicken, this dish stands out for its convenience and taste, making it suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply add ingredients to the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a rich, savory sauce that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal: Pair with your favorite pasta shapes and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy chicken pasta dish.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less time spent washing dishes!

Tools and Preparation

To make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, simmering flavors together over several hours.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your sauce has the perfect consistency and flavor balance.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing chicken and other ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to trim chicken breasts and cut cream cheese into cubes.

Ingredients

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hearty slow cooker dish that’s perfect when you need an easy dinner recipe.

For the Sauce

• 1 (12 oz) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes)
• ¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

For the Chicken

• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (trimmed)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

For the Pasta

• 12 to 16 oz pasta, such as rotini or penne (cooked to package directions)

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken with kosher salt and fresh pepper. Place it in the bottom of your crockpot or slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce over the seasoned chicken.

Step 3: Mix in Milk

Add milk to the empty sauce bottle, shake well, then pour this mixture over the chicken.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Add cream cheese and grated parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine everything while covering the chicken with sauce.

Step 5: Cook It Up

Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 6: Shred or Dice Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it into chunks. Return it back into the crockpot.

Step 7: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain well before adding it to the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Enjoy your hearty Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Family-Style Serving

• Serve the pasta directly from the slow cooker, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a casual and inviting atmosphere during mealtime.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each plate with chopped fresh parsley or basil. The herbs add a burst of color and freshness that complements the creamy sauce.

On a Bed of Spinach

• Lay a handful of fresh spinach on each plate before adding the pasta. The warm pasta will wilt the spinach slightly, making for an appealing presentation.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Serve with slices of toasted garlic bread. The crispy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta and helps soak up any extra sauce.

In Individual Bowls

• For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in individual bowls. Top with extra parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.

Paired with Salad

• Offer a side salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette. This light addition balances the richness of the pasta dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts and high-quality parmesan cheese enhance both flavor and texture.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Monitor the cooking time based on your crockpot’s settings, as some may cook faster than others.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
• Mix Well Before Serving: Stir the ingredients well after shredding the chicken to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the pasta.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; sometimes more salt or pepper is needed after cooking.
• Keep Warm Setting: If you’re not ready to serve immediately, use the warm setting on your crockpot to keep the dish at an ideal temperature without overcooking it.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serving side dishes alongside your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements any Italian-inspired dish, perfect for mopping up sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing makes for a refreshing contrast to creamy pasta.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and health benefits while balancing richness.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings depth and flavor to your meal.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and zesty side.
6. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with creamy dishes.
7. Quinoa Salad: A healthy option packed with protein; toss quinoa with veggies for added texture and nutrition.
8. Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb alternative that gives an interesting twist while remaining filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple dish, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Wrong sauce choice: Using a different type of sauce can alter the flavor. Stick to the recommended Parmesan Garlic sauce for the best results.
• Overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor cooking times closely based on your slow cooker settings.
• Not shredding chicken properly: Failing to shred or dice the chicken can lead to uneven distribution of flavors. Make sure to shred it well for even taste.
• Skipping the pasta cooking step: Adding uncooked pasta directly into the crockpot will result in unevenly cooked pasta. Always cook it according to package instructions before adding.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient brings its own flavor, so taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Duration: You can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months.
• Container: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.

Reheating Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can substitute with gluten-free pasta if desired.

How do I customize Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook on the day you plan to serve it.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing for many customization options. You can enjoy this creamy dish any night of the week, making it a perfect choice for busy families or a quick dinner solution. Give it a try, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients!