Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight. This simple, yet flavorful dish will satisfy the whole family. With tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a blend of delicious cheeses, it’s a guaranteed hit. Pair it with roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans to complete the meal!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Delicious, Easy Weeknight Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To make this savory and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
- 1 (16 oz) box of pasta
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Prepare the Crockpot
Start by spraying your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that the chicken and sauce don’t stick to the sides as they cook.
2. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. If you’re concerned about the sodium level in the Alfredo sauce, feel free to omit the salt at this step and add it later if needed.
3. Add Garlic and Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Add minced garlic on top of the seasoned chicken. Then, pour just enough of the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce over the chicken to cover it. This sauce adds a bit of a spicy kick, so start with a moderate amount. You can always add more at the end if needed.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken
Set your crockpot to low and cook the chicken for 4-6 hours, depending on the model of your slow cooker. For best results, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
5. Shred or Cube the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot. At this point, you can either shred the chicken with two forks or cut it into cubes—whichever you prefer.
6. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook 16 oz of your favorite pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta when it’s done.
7. Combine Chicken, Cheese, and Alfredo Sauce
Return the cubed or shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and mix everything together until well combined.
8. Add the Pasta and Stir
Once the pasta has cooked and been drained, add it to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is now ready to serve!
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta dish pairs perfectly with roasted or steamed vegetables. Here are some great options to serve on the side:
- Roasted Broccoli: The earthy, crisp flavor of roasted broccoli complements the rich creaminess of the pasta.
- Green Beans: Lightly sautéed or roasted green beans add a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the pasta’s richness.
Helpful Tips for Making the Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cooking Temperature: Always cook the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Start with just enough of the sauce to cover the chicken. You can always add more later if you want extra flavor.
- Lower Sodium Option: If you want to reduce the sodium content, leave out the salt when seasoning the chicken. You can adjust the seasoning at the end.
- Cheese Choices: Freshly shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese melt much better than pre-shredded varieties, giving your dish a creamier texture.
- Pasta Selection: While you can use any type of pasta, traditional choices like penne, rotini, or fettuccine work particularly well with this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. However, keep in mind that cooking times may need to be adjusted. Frozen chicken may take longer to cook in the crockpot, so make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like a bit more heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or using more of the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, as it already has a slight kick. You could also add a splash of hot sauce to the Alfredo for an extra spicy touch.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This pasta dish should last for up to 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra Alfredo sauce or a splash of milk to keep it from drying out.
Can I Use a Different Type of Sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter sauce or want to experiment with different flavors, you can substitute the Alfredo sauce with a cream sauce, garlic butter sauce, or even a marinara sauce for a unique twist on the dish.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your Garlic Parmesan sauce and Alfredo sauce are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights when you need something easy yet incredibly flavorful. The crockpot does all the hard work while you go about your day, and the result is a tender, juicy chicken combined with rich, cheesy goodness. With the added kick of garlic and parmesan, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Try it out this week and share the recipe with your loved ones—they’ll thank you!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
- 1 tsp each of paprika onion powder and Italian seasoning
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- BWW Garlic Parmesan sauce
- 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
- 1 16 oz box of pasta
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Add the chicken, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to a slow cooker.
- Add minced garlic and enough of the garlic parm sauce to fully cover the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred or chop up chicken.
- Boil your favorite pasta according to the directions on the package.
- Add Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese to the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together well.
- Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker and mix everything together.
- Serve and enjoy!
