Are you looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea that practically cooks itself? Try this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe! It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 oz.) Bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Milk
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese, (Cut into Blocks)
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 12 oz. Pasta (your choice of shape)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: Fill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake to mix any remaining sauce, and pour into the crockpot.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place the blocks of cream cheese into the crockpot.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir everything together gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir well to combine everything.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips :
Once you’ve prepared your delicious Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, here are some helpful tips for serving and storing it:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the pasta before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add Vegetables: For a complete meal, consider adding steamed broccoli, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed spinach to the pasta just before serving.
- Serve with Salad: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- Individual Portions: If serving at a gathering or party, consider transferring portions to individual bowls or plates and garnish each serving individually for an elegant presentation.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta and chicken mixture in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much upon reheating.
- Pasta Freshness: If storing pasta separately from the sauce, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating, use low to medium heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta remains flavorful and enjoyable, whether you’re serving it fresh or reheating leftovers. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this comforting dish!
Variations :
Looking to switch things up with your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? Here are some creative variations to try, each adding a unique twist to this comforting dish:
- Add Vegetables:
- Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach leaves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and flavor.
- Broccoli and Bell Peppers: Steam broccoli florets separately and add them to the crockpot along with diced bell peppers for a boost of nutrition and crunch.
- Different Cheese Options:
- Italian Blend Cheese: Substitute Parmesan cheese with an Italian blend shredded cheese mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Gruyère or Mozzarella: Experiment with melting cheeses like Gruyère or Mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Protein Alternatives:
- Shrimp: Replace chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp for a seafood twist. Add shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Italian Sausage: Brown Italian sausage in a skillet and add it to the crockpot along with the sauce mixture for a hearty variation.
- Spice It Up:
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the crockpot along with the sauce mixture.
- Cajun Seasoning: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken before placing it in the crockpot for a flavorful Cajun-inspired twist.
- Creamy Enhancements:
- Heavy Cream: Substitute part of the milk with heavy cream for an even creamier sauce.
- Greek Yogurt: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt just before serving for a tangy twist.
- Herb Infusions:
- Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh basil, parsley, or thyme to the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Italian Seasoning: Mix in Italian seasoning or dried herbs like oregano and basil for a more pronounced Italian flavor.
- Pasta Varieties:
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta with whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Penne or Rigatoni: Experiment with different pasta shapes to change the texture and mouthfeel of the dish.
- Additional Ingredients:
- Roasted Garlic: Roast garlic cloves and add them to the crockpot for a deeper garlic flavor.
- White Wine: Deglaze the crockpot with a splash of white wine before adding the sauce mixture for added complexity.
By trying out these variations, you can customize your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to suit different tastes and preferences while keeping the creamy, comforting essence of the original dish intact. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe!
FAQs :
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or high setting, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe as they cook evenly and are easier to shred. Bone-in chicken may require adjustments in cooking time and bone removal before serving.
- How can I make the sauce thicker?
- To thicken the sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- What if I don’t have Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
- You can use any store-bought or homemade Parmesan garlic sauce as a substitute. Adjust seasoning to taste, as different brands may vary in flavor intensity.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator in separate containers. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook according to the recipe instructions when ready to serve.
- How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
- Cut the cream cheese into smaller blocks and ensure it is at room temperature before adding it to the crockpot. Stir the mixture well during cooking to help distribute the cream cheese evenly.
- What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
- Any type of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti can be used. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture of the dish.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crockpot along with the sauce mixture for a spicier kick.
- Can I use low-fat ingredients to make this recipe healthier?
- Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and milk to reduce the overall fat content. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and creaminess of the dish.
Enjoy this comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dish with your family and friends. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household for its creamy texture and irresistible flavors! Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that satisfies everyone’s cravings.