Slow-Cooked Perfection: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Everyone Will Love
Is there anything better than a creamy, comforting bowl of pasta after a long day? I don’t think so! That’s where this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes in. It’s got everything you need for a cozy, delicious dinner with minimal effort: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and just the right amount of cheese. The best part? You just toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
If you’re craving something cheesy and full of garlicky goodness, you’re going to love this recipe. Plus, the slow cooker makes it super simple—perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Easy as Can Be
All you have to do is throw the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The chicken comes out juicy and tender, and the creamy sauce practically makes itself.
2. Garlicky, Cheesy Goodness
This pasta dish is all about the garlic and Parmesan. The rich and flavorful sauce, made with garlic Parmesan dressing, cream cheese, and a healthy sprinkle of Parmesan, makes it irresistibly good.
3. Family-Friendly
This is one of those meals that the whole family will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—everything you want in a comforting dinner.
Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
- 12-ounce box of spiral pasta (rotini works great, but feel free to use your favorite)
- 2 pounds of chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1 bottle of Ken’s Garlic Parmesan sauce (or Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce if you like a bit of a kick)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best, but the pre-grated stuff works too)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (to make the sauce even creamier)
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to make this cheesy, garlicky pasta dish in your slow cooker.
Step 1: Add Chicken and Sauce to the Crockpot
Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken, making sure they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and scatter them over the chicken and sauce. The cream cheese will melt down as it cooks, making the sauce extra rich and creamy.
Step 3: Slow Cook It
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, cook your spiral pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Make the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken is fully mixed with the sauce.
Step 6: Add Milk and Parmesan
Pour in the whole milk and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The milk helps to loosen the sauce and make it extra creamy, while the Parmesan adds that rich, cheesy flavor.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Finally, stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the creamy chicken pasta onto plates, garnish with a little extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like, and dig in!
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Choose Your Sauce
You can’t go wrong with either Ken’s Garlic Parmesan dressing or Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce. Ken’s is a little more mild, while Buffalo Wild Wings’ version has a slight kick to it. If you want to add some heat, go for the spicier sauce!
2. Freshly Grated Parmesan
For the best flavor, try to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce much better and adds a richer, more authentic taste than the pre-packaged kind. But if you’re in a pinch, the store-bought version works too.
3. Customize the Veggies
Feel free to toss in some veggies if you want to make this dish a little heartier. Spinach, broccoli, or even mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just stir them into the sauce before adding the pasta.
4. Extra Creaminess
If you want your sauce even creamier, you can add a little more milk or even a splash of heavy cream. This will make the sauce thicker and even more indulgent.
5. Shredding the Chicken
The easiest way to shred the chicken is to do it directly in the slow cooker with two forks. The chicken will be so tender that it practically falls apart, making it super easy to shred.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few ways you can round out your dinner:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter option.
- Add some roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots for a well-balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat the entire batch on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! While spiral pasta like rotini works great because it holds onto the sauce well, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni would all work perfectly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This is a great dish for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker, then store the pasta and sauce separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, combine them and reheat.
Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra milk if the sauce is too thick.
Variations on Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Buffalo Chicken Version
Swap out the garlic Parmesan sauce for Buffalo sauce and add some blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist on this creamy pasta dish. If you love heat, this variation will definitely hit the spot!
2. Add Veggies
Sneak in some veggies for extra nutrients. Spinach, broccoli, and mushrooms all pair perfectly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
3. Bacon Makes It Better
Want to take it to the next level? Add some crispy bacon to the top of the pasta just before serving. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon works so well with the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of flavor—all without a ton of work. Whether you make it with Ken’s or Buffalo Wild Wings sauce, you’re going to love how easy and delicious this dish is.
So, next time you’re craving something comforting and flavorful, grab your slow cooker and make this simple yet satisfying pasta dish. Your family will thank you!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz spiral pasta
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 bottle Ken's garlic parmesan sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Cut the cream cheese into cubes and scatter them over the chicken and sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, cook your spiral pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken is fully mixed with the sauce.
- Pour in the whole milk and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Finally, stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Scoop the creamy chicken pasta onto plates, garnish with a little extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like, and dig in!