Name: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken breasts (Trim excess fat if needed.); 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (Use entire bottle.); 1 cup Milk (Use whole milk for creamier texture.); 8 oz Cream cheese (Cut into blocks and at room temperature if possible.); 1 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese (Freshly shredded preferred.); 12 oz Pasta (Your choice — penne, rotini, or bowtie work great.)

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Creamy, juicy, and bursting with garlicky Parmesan goodness, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food shortcut for busy weeknights. This dish turns a few simple pantry staples and a slow cooker into a plateful of rich, saucy pasta and tender shredded chicken that everyone will ask for seconds of. Fun fact: slow-cooked chicken absorbs flavors so well that even picky eaters often surprise themselves by loving it. If you love one-pot family meals, this recipe belongs in your weekly rotation.

If you want a quick reference while you cook, check out this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on RecipesFiber for a handy comparison. It’s special because it’s simple to prep, takes minimal hands-on time, and consistently delivers an irresistible creamy sauce that clings to pasta. Perfect for busy parents or anyone craving comfort food without the fuss. Ready to get your slow cooker out? Let’s dive in and make dinner something to celebrate.

What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Ever wondered who decided garlic, Parmesan, chicken, and pasta belonged together in a slow cooker? Me too — and I love the result. The name is literal and delightful: chicken slowly simmered in a rich Parmesan-garlic sauce, shredded and mixed with pasta. Could it be called the recipe that proves “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Absolutely — and honestly, it’s a winner for anyone who loves hearty, cheesy comfort food. Imagine coming home to a pot of tender chicken and creamy sauce that smells like a cozy Italian kitchen; that’s the charm of this dish. Give it a try and see why everyone calls it comfort in a crockpot.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, comforting flavor: The sauce is rich, velvety, and loaded with garlic-Parmesan taste that coats every noodle.
Budget-friendly and efficient: Using a store-bought sauce with staples like cream cheese and Parmesan stretches the flavor without breaking the bank, making it cheaper than takeout or restaurant versions.
Family-friendly and flexible: Kids love the creamy texture and mild garlic flavor, while adults can add pepper flakes or a lemon twist for extra depth.

Compared to oven-baked chicken Alfredo, this crockpot version is far less hands-on and lets the slow cooker do the work, so you get deep flavor with minimal effort. Make it tonight and enjoy a meal that’s comforting, practical, and crowd-pleasing.

How to Make

Quick Overview
This recipe is easy, delicious, and satisfying. Prep takes about 10 minutes, then the slow cooker does the rest. Expect tender, shreddable chicken and a luxuriously creamy sauce that mixes beautifully with your pasta of choice. Total time: prep 10 minutes, cook 2–4 hours depending on heat setting, plus pasta time.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (trim excess fat if needed)
1 (12 oz.) bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (use entire bottle)
1 cup milk (use whole milk for creamier texture)
8 oz. cream cheese, cut into blocks and at room temperature if possible
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
12 oz. pasta (your choice — penne, rotini, or bowtie work great)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot so they sit in a single layer for even cooking.
Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken, covering each piece.
Fill the empty sauce bottle with 1 cup of milk, shake to mix any remaining sauce, and pour into the crockpot to add extra creaminess.
Add the cream cheese blocks and shredded Parmesan to the crockpot, distributing them over the top.
Stir everything gently to evenly coat the chicken and help the cheeses start to melt into the sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot, then return and mix well so the chicken is fully incorporated into the sauce.
Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Add the drained pasta to the crockpot and stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What to Serve With

Crisp green salad (mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for color and fiber.
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up any extra sauce.
A light, fizzy drink like sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a chilled white wine for adults.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts into the sauce faster and prevents lumps.
If the sauce is too thin after shredding the chicken, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup more shredded Parmesan or simmer on high with the lid slightly ajar for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
For a brighter flavor, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice or a teaspoon of lemon zest before serving.
Swap Buffalo Wild Wings sauce for a similar store-bought Parmesan-garlic sauce if you prefer, but keep the proportions the same.
Avoid overcooking pasta; mix it in al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the slow cooker.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken in sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a saucepan on low and stir frequently. If reheating in the microwave, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between and adding milk to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?
Short, ridged pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle is best because it holds the sauce well and makes each bite satisfyingly saucy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and add extra richness. Adjust cook time slightly if pieces are thicker.

Is it okay to use a different Parmesan-garlic sauce?
Absolutely. Any bottled Parmesan-garlic sauce will work; just keep the same quantity to maintain balance of flavor and creaminess.

How can I make this lower in calories or lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk, and serve with whole-grain pasta and plenty of steamed vegetables to boost fiber and lower overall calorie density.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for a potluck?
Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce ahead, shred and refrigerate. Reheat gently, cook pasta just before serving, and combine for best texture.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a weeknight game-changer: effortless to prepare, delightfully creamy, and always a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that brings everyone to the table. For another great take on a similar slow-cooker Parmesan garlic chicken pasta, see Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta | The Recipe Critic.