Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken with creamy garlic parmesan sauce and pasta. With minimal preparation time, it’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a hearty meal without the hassle. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends while savoring every bite of this flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates an irresistible creamy sauce.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the pasta or add vegetables to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it in advance and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow Cooker: The star of the show! It allows for easy, hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Measuring Cups: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for perfect results every time.
• Mixing Spoon: A sturdy spoon helps you mix ingredients thoroughly without damaging your cookware.

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

For the Chicken

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

For the Creamy Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes)
• ¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

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: Prepare the Chicken

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

Step 2: Add 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 in the crockpot.

Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Ingredients

Add cream cheese cubes and grated parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine so that all pieces of chicken are covered with sauce.

Step 5: Cooking Time

Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot onto a plate or cutting board. Shred using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the slow cooker.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your chosen pasta according to package directions. Drain well before adding it to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined so that each piece of pasta is coated in creamy sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just a filling meal; it’s also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Pair with Fresh Greens

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the creaminess of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans lightly seasoned make for a nutritious side that complements the dish.

Add Some Crunch

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter enhances the meal, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Crusty Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are great for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Enhance with Extra Ingredients

• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of fresh parmesan on top before serving elevates the flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil adds color and freshness to your dish.

How to Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe is already easy to prepare, but a few tips can elevate it even further.

• Bold Seasoning: Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking to enhance its flavor.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of milk to maintain creaminess while reducing calories.
• Pasta Timing: Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce in the crockpot.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding spinach or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Pairing your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with the right sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty sides that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes infused with garlic are an excellent hearty side.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing pairs perfectly with creamy pasta.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the dish.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus brings a refreshing element to your meal.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well and is fun to eat alongside pasta.
6. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast and cleanses the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Always season your chicken adequately before cooking. This enhances the flavor of the entire dish.
• Not using enough sauce: Ensure you pour enough sauce over the chicken. A lack of sauce can result in dry chicken and bland pasta.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked chicken can become tough and chewy, so use a meat thermometer if needed.
• Forgetting to stir: Make sure to stir the ingredients halfway through cooking. It helps combine flavors and ensures even cooking.
• Cooking pasta too early: Cook your pasta just before serving. Adding overcooked pasta into the crockpot can make it mushy.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Portion into smaller containers for easier thawing and reheating.

Reheating Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess while stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken, garlic parmesan sauce, and pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Cooking time varies from 2-3 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I customize Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or swap out different types of pasta based on your preference.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad, enhancing the meal’s overall appeal and balance.

Conclusion

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only simple but also versatile enough for any night of the week. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!

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