Imagine coming home to a comforting meal where tender chicken slowly simmers in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, infused with rich Italian herbs and smoky paprika. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings those flavors together, creating a creamy, satisfying dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly simple.
The magic happens in the slow cooker, allowing the chicken to absorb every bit of flavor while you go about your day. Once ready, it’s combined with perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheeses for a dish that everyone at the table will love.
- Hands-off slow cooker method makes weeknight dinners stress-free and convenient.
- Rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infuses every bite with deep flavor.
- Combines tender chicken with cheesy pasta for crowd-pleasing comfort food.
- Flexible recipe that adapts to the pasta you have on hand.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Tender white meat that absorbs the sauce well for a juicy, protein-packed base.
- Fine Sea Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors throughout the dish.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan.
- Onion Powder: Offers a mild, savory aroma to round out the spice mix.
- Italian Herb Seasoning Blend: Classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme give the sauce an authentic Italian flair.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic intensifies the sauce, bringing warmth and robust flavor.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy and garlicky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly (about 120 ml).
- Alfredo Sauce (Jarred): Rich and smooth base that blends seamlessly into the slow cooker for creaminess.
- Cellentani Pasta: A short, spiral pasta that traps sauce beautifully; any short pasta shape works too (about 450 g).
- Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that enhances the creamy sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly for extra cheesiness and a gooey texture.
- Dried Parsley: Garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Season and Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts into your slow cooker, then evenly sprinkle salt, ground pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Italian herb seasoning over them. This dry rub layers in flavor at the start, making every bite aromatic and savory.
- Add Garlic and Sauces
Next, add the minced garlic to the chicken, followed by the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce. Pour enough to coat the meat evenly, then top everything with the jarred Alfredo sauce. This combination creates a deeply flavorful, creamy environment for the chicken to cook in low and slow.
- Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Set your slow cooker on low and let the chicken cook for approximately 4 hours. This gentle heat allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness. The mix of sauces will meld together for a rich sauce base.
- Shred the Chicken
Remove the fully cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce to keep it moist and evenly coated with flavor.
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente
While the chicken finishes, boil the Cellentani pasta in salted water according to package directions until it’s al dente. Properly cooked pasta provides a slight firmness that balances the creamy sauce texture. Drain well to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
- Melt in the Cheeses
Add finely grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella directly into the slow cooker. Stir carefully until the cheese melts completely, creating an ultra-smooth and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and pasta later.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the drained pasta into the slow cooker, mixing everything thoroughly so each piece is coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce. This ensures every forkful is flavorful and cheesy. Garnish with dried parsley for a fresh color contrast and hint of herbaceous brightening.
- Serve Immediately
Portion the creamy chicken pasta into bowls and serve hot. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering rich comfort in every bite.
- Adjust garlic Parmesan sauce quantity to match how intense you want the garlicky flavor to be.
- Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi can substitute Cellentani if unavailable.
- This dish freezes well; thaw and reheat gently to maintain creaminess before serving.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance this rich dish. A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf also complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- For best texture, cook pasta just until al dente as it finishes softening when mixed with the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal melting and flavor; pre-grated can sometimes alter texture.
- Adding fresh parsley or basil at the end brightens the heavy creaminess and adds fresh aroma.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra tenderness and flavor due to higher fat content.
- Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the slow cook function or cook under pressure for about 12 minutes and then release pressure naturally for similar results.
- What if I don’t have Buffalo Wild Wings sauce?
Substitute with a mix of garlic butter sauce and a little cream cheese or heavy cream for similar garlic Parmesan flavor.
- Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Absolutely, prep the chicken and sauce in advance and store separately from pasta. Combine and reheat just before serving.
- How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta slightly firmer than usual and avoid overcooking when mixing with the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Is this dish suitable for low fat diet?
It is relatively low fat given the use of skinless chicken and moderate cheeses, but you may reduce cheese amounts or use low-fat alternatives to suit dietary needs.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the last hour of slow cooking works well to increase nutrition and flavor complexity.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian herb seasoning blend
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce
- 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 lb dried Cellentani or short pasta
- 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian herb seasoning.
- Add minced garlic and pour garlic Parmesan sauce over chicken to coat fully.
- Top with Alfredo sauce, then cover and cook on low for about 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces, then return to slow cooker.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, drain well.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to the slow cooker and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Mix cooked pasta into slow cooker, stirring to evenly coat.
- Garnish with dried parsley, portion into bowls, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust garlic Parmesan sauce quantity to taste.
- Short pasta shapes can be substituted if Cellentani is unavailable.
- Dish freezes well; reheat before serving.
