When it comes to weeknight dinners, I’m all about low effort and big flavor—especially when the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, rich, and irresistibly cozy. The chicken turns melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up the zesty, garlicky goodness of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce. Add in pasta and a touch of creaminess, and it’s basically comfort food on autopilot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just love leftovers, this is the kind of dish that wins over picky eaters and tired cooks alike. Let’s get into it.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for Effortless Weeknights
The Ultimate Dump-and-Go Dinner
There’s nothing quite like a dump-and-go slow cooker recipe, and this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta nails it. It starts with simple ingredients—chicken breasts, a bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, and just a few creamy extras. You don’t have to pre-cook the chicken or do anything fancy. Just season, pour, and let the magic happen over a few hours. The result? Chicken so tender it practically shreds itself, bathed in a sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and full of bold parmesan flavor.
This dish is a favorite in my house for two reasons: it’s stress-free and guaranteed to be a hit. You can prep it during your morning coffee, and by dinner, it’s ready to go with just one last step—stirring in the pasta.
Why Parmesan Garlic Sauce Changes Everything
Using a ready-made sauce like Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce gives this dish an unbeatable shortcut to bold flavor. It’s got the perfect balance of creamy parmesan, roasted garlic, and just a bit of heat to wake things up. Unlike jarred Alfredo sauces that can feel heavy or bland, this one has real personality.
And the best part? No guessing, no seasoning mix, no roux-making—just pour and go. Add milk and cream cheese, and the sauce thickens beautifully in the crockpot. It’s a creamy dream without the work of making a sauce from scratch.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese cut into cubes
- ¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 12 to 16 oz pasta such as rotini or penne cooked to package directions
Instructions
- Season chicken with kosher salt and fresh pepper. Place in the bottom of a crockpot or slow cooker.
- Pour entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
- Add milk to the empty bottle and shake. Pour milk and sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Add cream cheese and parmesan cheese to crockpot. Stir to combine and cover chicken with sauce.
- Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove cooked chicken to a plate or cutting board and shred using 2 forks or dice into bite sized pieces. Add back into slow cooker.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and add to crockpot, stirring to combine well.
Notes
Making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken pasta on the stovetop is a nice alternative. It cooks up in less than 30 minutes. You will need about 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Pulled rotisserie chicken works great!
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Add Parmesan Garlic Sauce, milk, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large pot over medium heat. Stir until creamy and well blended.
Add cooked, shredded chicken to the garlic parmesan sauce, tossing to coat well.
Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
Top with additional parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley for a delicious meal! Nutrition
Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 1024mg | Potassium: 719mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 887IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 1mg
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Variations & Time-Saving Tips
Make It Your Own: Easy Variations for Every Palate
One of the best things about Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how customizable it is. You can keep it classic, or mix things up to suit your family’s preferences. If you want a spicy kick, add a few red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot before cooking. Craving greens? Toss in fresh spinach or steamed broccoli at the end for a little color and extra nutrition. You could even swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or gluten-free alternatives without changing the flavor.
Want it even richer? Stir in a little more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. Or add crispy bacon bits on top for that savory crunch. Whatever you do, the creamy garlic parmesan base holds everything together—it’s indulgent without being too heavy.
You can also use different shapes of pasta. Rotini and penne are classics, but shells or bowtie pasta work beautifully too. The key is choosing something that holds sauce well, giving you those satisfying, saucy bites every time.
Stovetop Shortcut: Ready in Under 30 Minutes
If you’re short on time or forgot to start the crockpot, don’t worry—you can still make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta in under half an hour on the stovetop. Just use about 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie works great). In a large pot, warm the parmesan garlic sauce with milk, cream cheese, and parmesan until smooth. Then toss in the chicken and let it simmer for a few minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Once your pasta is cooked and drained, mix everything together and let it sit for a minute to thicken up. It’s just as comforting and creamy as the slow cooker version—perfect for those last-minute weeknight meals when you still want something hearty and homemade.
Serving, Texture & Reheating Tips for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Perfectly Creamy Every Time: Sauce Texture Secrets
When this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is done, the texture is exactly what you want: silky, rich, and spoon-coating without being overly heavy. The trick is letting the cream cheese fully melt into the sauce while it cooks low and slow. Stirring the sauce once or twice mid-cook (if you’re around) helps blend everything even better, but it’s not essential. Just make sure the cream cheese cubes are well-distributed at the start.
Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, and the cooked pasta is stirred in, the sauce will cling to every bite. If it’s too thick after adding pasta, a splash of milk can loosen things up. Too thin? Let it sit uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes—pasta naturally absorbs some of the sauce as it rests. This dish isn’t meant to be dry; you want that luxurious, cheesy coat on every noodle and piece of chicken.
This pasta holds its texture surprisingly well, even after sitting in the crockpot on warm for a bit. Just give it a good stir before serving to bring it back to creamy perfection.
How to Serve, Store & Reheat Like a Pro
For serving, a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley go a long way in making this dish look and taste like a restaurant-worthy dinner. Red pepper flakes add a touch of color and spice, too.
Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread if you want a full meal, but honestly, it’s rich and filling enough on its own. This recipe easily feeds a crowd, which makes it great for potlucks or casual Sunday dinners.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat slowly. You’ll have a comforting, flavorful dinner ready in minutes, no planning required.
Nutrition Facts, Ingredient Swaps & Flavor Boosters
Nutrition Breakdown: What’s In Every Bite
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta may taste indulgent, but it’s surprisingly balanced for a comfort dish. Each serving delivers about 315 calories and packs 30g of protein—thanks to lean chicken breast and a modest portion of pasta. The fat comes mostly from the cream cheese and sauce, giving it that creamy, satisfying mouthfeel.
Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 315 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 121 mg |
| Sodium | 1024 mg |
If you’re watching sodium, consider using a low-sodium version of the sauce or replacing half with homemade garlic parmesan sauce. You can also lighten it up with reduced-fat cream cheese or add extra veggies to increase fiber.
Smart Swaps & Boosters You’ll Love
Want to tweak this dish for different dietary needs? Here are a few easy swaps:
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a garlic-based vegan sauce alternative.
- Low-carb: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash.
- Extra protein: Add white beans or toss in a few chopped hard-boiled eggs with the pasta.
For extra depth of flavor, add these easy finishing touches:
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Grated lemon zest
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
These final touches can turn a cozy bowl of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into something dinner-party worthy—without a lot of extra work.
FAQS (People Also Ask)
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, but for food safety, it’s best to thaw chicken first. If using frozen, increase the cooking time and monitor internal temp until it reaches 165°F.
2. What pasta works best in this recipe?
Short shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are perfect because they hold the creamy sauce well and make each bite satisfying.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
4. Is Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce spicy?
It’s more zesty than spicy—garlicky, tangy, and rich. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can mix it with a bit more milk to mellow it out.
Conclusion
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of no-fuss, all-flavor dinner that hits the spot every single time. Whether you slow cook it for Sunday dinner or whip up the stovetop version in a hurry, it’s packed with creamy comfort and serious flavor. The chicken falls apart, the sauce hugs every noodle, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable. So grab your slow cooker and get ready for a meal the whole table will love.
