Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the delightful blend of rich and creamy flavors in our Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This comforting dish is the perfect blend of tender chicken, savory garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, bringing restaurant-quality meals effortlessly to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Once you set it up in the crock pot, just let the magic happen while you relax.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of parmesan, cream cheese, and a special sauce blend create a luscious taste that’s irresistible.
- Versatile: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests—everyone loves it!
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy garlic parmesan flavor is universally adored.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and texture that turns ordinary chicken and pasta into something extraordinary. Each item plays a crucial role in developing a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- 12 oz bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce: This sauce is the star, providing a savory and creamy base essential for flavor.
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken for tender and juicy meat.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Creates richness and depth in the sauce, perfectly melding flavors.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and enhances the aromatic profile of the dish.
- 1 cup milk: Provides additional creaminess, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds a sharp, nutty finish.
- 16 oz box rotini pasta: The perfect pasta choice for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Garnish – parsley, red pepper flake: Elevate your presentation with these vibrant additions.
Variations
This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy to tailor to your desires. Whether you’re looking to adjust it for dietary needs or simply want to experiment with flavors, the possibilities are endless.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Option: Add some crushed red pepper or hot sauce for those who love a bit of a kick.
- Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of rotini to cut down on the carbs.
How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Set Up the Crock Pot
Place the raw chicken breasts, cream cheese, onion, garlic parmesan wing sauce, and milk straight into the crock pot. There’s no need to mix right now. This easy assembly step saves you time and effort while promising delectable outcomes.
Step 2: Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the crock pot and let it do its magic. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to pull apart effortlessly—ideal for infusing the chicken fully with the sauce.
Step 3: Shred and Return
Take out the chicken, shred it using two forks, and then return it to the crock pot. Blend the shredded chicken and the creamy sauce together until perfectly combined. The shredded texture ensures that the chicken soaks up all that flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Finish
Cook the rotini according to the package instructions, then drain and incorporate it into the crock pot with the chicken and sauce. Stir to cover the pasta evenly, sprinkle in the parmesan, and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes on low. Relish the resulting creamy, savory dish.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Quick Shredding: If the chicken is cooked perfectly, it should shred easily with forks, reducing prep time.
- Balance Flavor: Adjust the thickness of the sauce with extra milk if desired, depending on your preference for richness.
- Cheese Choice: Although parmesan is recommended, feel free to experiment with other varieties like mozzarella or asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Perfect Pasta Finish: Letting the pasta sit for a few minutes in the sauce ensures it absorbs more flavor.
How to Serve Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Top your delightful creation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a splash of color and a hint of vibrant freshness. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick to each bite, making the dish more captivating.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the creamy, rich flavors. A fresh Caesar salad or some simply steamed vegetables also work beautifully to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or elevate it to an elegant meal by serving on colored plates that make the creamy pasta pop. Adding a ring of balsamic glaze around the plate can offer a touch of sophistication and tangy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s a fantastic quick meal option on busy weeknights and retains its flavor well.
Freezing
The dish can be frozen in suitable containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of milk to revivify the creaminess of the sauce as it warms up.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely, while rotini is ideal for holding the sauce, any pasta such as penne or fusilli will work just fine.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and parmesan with dairy-free alternatives available at most grocery stores.
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What if I don’t have a crock pot?
No problem! You can simmer everything on low heat in a covered Dutch oven on the stove, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
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Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Add in veggies like spinach or broccoli during the final cooking step for extra nutrients and color.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish that brings warmth, simplicity, and a touch of luxury to your everyday dining. I encourage you to try it out and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary prowess!
PrintCrock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes approximately
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and al dente rotini pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a rich, cheesy taste with garlic and herbs, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the chicken and sauce:
- 12 oz bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the pasta:
- 16 oz box rotini pasta
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, cream cheese, chopped onion, garlic Parmesan wing sauce, and milk into the crockpot. Do not stir at this stage.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the crockpot. Mix in the sauce and shredded chicken until well combined.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer everything together: Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and pasta to absorb the sauce.
- Serve: Dish out hot, garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for a touch of spice and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to taste.
- For a richer sauce, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg