Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, tender chicken is shredded in a flavorful garlic parmesan sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more. Convenient, versatile, and family-friendly, this easy meal is sure to impress with its rich flavors and minimal effort. 

Jump to Recipe

If you're ready for some warm comfort food then you must try this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. It's the perfect dump and go recipe that the whole family will love. It's so easy to make on weekends or busy weeknights because it requires only a few ingredients and very minimal prep time.

An entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce is added to make the sauce. This makes up the bulk of the flavor in the pasta sauce. If you've never tried it, you're in for a treat. It's cheesy, tangy, and slightly spicy. This recipe has saved me for nights when I didn't feel like cooking and clean up has been so easy with crockpot liners. I'm so excited to share with you the recipe our entire family asks for time and and time again. 

Jump to:

• Reasons You'll Love Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Ingredients 
• How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• What to Serve with Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta 
• Tips and Tricks 
• Must Try Variations 
• Can I Use Frozen Chicken? 
• Can I Cook Pasta In The Crock Pot? 
• Can I Use Other Types of Pasta? 
• Storing and Reheating The Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Pasta 
• More Easy Delicious Recipes
• Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Reasons You'll Love Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Convenience: Using a crock pot allows you to set it and forget it. You can simply dump the ingredients, set the cooking time, and go about your day. When the chicken is done cooking, it'll be ready in only a few simple steps. Plus clean up is extremely easy if you use a crockpot liner. I highly recommend this if you don't want to spend too much extra time washing dishes. 

Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The combination of garlic and parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory sauce that coats the chicken and pasta. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish bursting with creamy deliciousness.

Tender and Juicy Chicken: Cooking chicken in a crock pot helps to lock in moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat. As the chicken cooks slowly, it absorbs the flavors from the sauce and becomes incredibly flavorful. When you go to shred chicken after it's cooked in the sauce for hours, it will fall apart so easily. 

Versatility: This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken pasta is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach to make it a more nutritious meal. You can also experiment with different types of pasta or even substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for alternative options.

Family-Friendly: Crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a crowd-pleaser, especially for families. Every time I've made it for younger kids they love it because it's packed with chicken, cheese, and pasta. What's not to love? 

Meal Prep Friendly: This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in individual containers for quick and easy meals throughout the week. It reheats well with a little added milk, so you can enjoy it as leftovers without compromising on taste or texture.

Budget-Friendly: This buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe uses simple and affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. Invite some friends and family over to host for dinner without breaking the bank! 

Ingredients 

12oz bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce - I 1 bottle buffalo wild wings sauce but other brands make a garlic parmesan sauce that can be used as well

2lb boneless skinless chicken breasts - I used thinner breasts that cooked up in about 2 hours on high. 

8oz cream cheese - Helps make the sauce nice and creamy 

1 large onion chopped - For added texture and flavor. 

1 cup milk - Any milk will work fine in this recipe you can use whatever you have on hand 

1/4 cup parmesan cheese - For extra cheesiness, using freshly grated parmesan is best for this recipe 

16oz box rotini pasta - Other pasta can be substituted, consider using what you already have on hand. We will get more into that later. 

Garnish: parsley, red pepper flake

How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1. Add the raw chicken breasts, cream cheese, onion, garlic parmesan wing sauce, and milk to the crockpot. Mixing is not necessary at this time. 

Step 2. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 3. Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and fold the cream sauce over chicken until the ingredients are well combined. 

Step 4. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the crock pot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

Step 5. Cover the crock pot again and cook on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors. 

Step 6. Serve immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and or red pepper flake. 

What to Serve with Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta 

Garlic Bread: Serve some warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to complement the flavors of the pasta and soak up the delicious sauce.

Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta dish. Consider adding ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced bell peppers.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables make a nutritious and flavorful side dish. You can roast a medley of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. The roasted vegetables add a pop of color and provide a nice textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

Steamed Vegetables: If you prefer a lighter option, steamed vegetables can be a healthy and simple choice. Broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans are excellent options. Serve them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Bruschetta: Serve some bruschetta as an appetizer or side dish. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil on toasted baguette slices pairs well with the flavors of the pasta.

Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant option. Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze or a vinaigrette dressing.

Tips and Tricks 

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: While pre-grated Parmesan cheese can be convenient, using freshly grated Parmesan will provide a more robust flavor. It's worth the extra effort!

Cook the Pasta Separately: Some recipes suggest cooking the pasta directly in the crock pot, but this can lead to overcooked or mushy pasta. It's best to cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente, and then add it to the crock pot during the final stages of cooking to allow it to absorb the flavors. 

Optimal Pasta Consistency: If you prefer a creamier pasta consistency, you can add a touch of heavy cream during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to ensure the sauce coats the pasta thoroughly. It will be very thick and creamy. 

Shred the Chicken: Shredding the cooked chicken before adding it back to the crock pot will help distribute the flavor and ensure each bite has a good mix of chicken and pasta.

Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the pasta to rest in the crock pot for a few minutes with the lid on. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. 

Must Try Variations 

Spinach and Mushroom: Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking. This will add a boost of nutrition and earthy flavors to the dish.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Include a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the crock pot along with the other ingredients. They will infuse the dish with a sweet and tangy flavor.

Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the crock pot. This will give the dish a spicy kick that complements the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

Lemon Zest and Fresh Herbs: Add a burst of freshness to the dish by stirring in some lemon zest and a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. The bright flavors will balance the richness of the sauce.

Broccoli and Cauliflower: Steam or blanch broccoli florets and cauliflower florets separately until tender-crisp. Chop into smaller pieces and add them to the crock pot along with the chicken and pasta. 

Bacon and Peas: Fry some bacon until crispy and crumble it over the finished dish along with a handful of thawed peas. The combination of smoky bacon and sweet peas adds a delightful contrast of flavors.

Mediterranean Twist: Give the dish a Mediterranean twist by adding sliced black olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers to the crock pot. This variation will bring a burst of briny flavors and vibrant colors.

Creamy Pesto: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto sauce into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will add a delightful herby and garlicky flavor to the dish.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken? 

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. If using frozen chicken increase the cooking time by approximately 1-2 hours on low heat or 1 hour on high heat. Make sure the chicken is completely done before shredding. 

It's important to note that using frozen chicken may result in additional liquid released during cooking, which can dilute the sauce slightly. If desired, you can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more Parmesan cheese or reducing the amount of milk added. 

Can I Cook Pasta In The Crock Pot? 

While some recipes may suggest cooking pasta directly in the crock pot, I don't recommend this. Cooking pasta in the crock pot can result in overcooked or mushy pasta. This is because the slow cooker may not provide the right amount of heat or water circulation for optimal pasta texture. It is best to cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente, and then add it to the crock pot during the final stages of cooking. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the garlic parmesan sauce without becoming overcooked. 

Can I Use Other Types of Pasta? 

Yes, you can certainly use other types of pasta in the crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. Below are some ideas: 

Rigatoni: Rigatoni is a tube-shaped pasta with ridges, making it great for holding chunky sauces. The ridges help the sauce adhere to the pasta, providing a delightful texture.

Bowtie: Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, adds a fun and decorative element to the dish. It pairs well with creamy sauces like this one and provides a great contrast in texture.

Shells: Shell-shaped pasta, such as medium-sized shells or conchiglie, can hold onto the creamy sauce, capturing bits of chicken and parmesan in each bite.

Linguine: Linguine is a long, flat pasta that works well with this wild wings parmesan garlic sauce. It provides a nice contrast to the chicken and adds an elegant touch to the dish.

Gluten Free: Try using a gluten free pasta for a healthy option. Be sure to cook according to the package directions. 

Storing and Reheating The Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Pasta 

To store the crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or individual meal prep containers. Make sure the buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta is cooled before storing. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat on the stove, place the pasta in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Once the pasta is heated through, it's ready to serve.

For a quick reheating method, transfer a portion of the pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent splatters. Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated through. Adjust the microwave power and time as needed based on your microwave's settings. Add a splash of milk, heavy cream, or chicken broth to keep the pasta from drying out. 

More Easy Delicious Recipes

Quick One Pot Tuna Pesto Pasta

Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken

10 Minute Chili Garlic Ramen Noodles

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo