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)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sauce and Milk: Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. Then, fill the empty sauce bottle with milk, shake it to get any remaining sauce, and pour it into the crockpot.
- Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Add the blocks of cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine and ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Cook in Crockpot: Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should become tender, and the flavors will meld together.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken to combine it thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce.
- Stir and Serve: Stir everything together in the crockpot, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta directly from the crockpot.
Note: This recipe has a spicy kick due to the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Adjust the spice level by using a milder sauce if desired.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a perfect blend of creamy, garlicky goodness!
Here are some tips to make your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot even more delightful:
- Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, basil, or thyme just before serving. This will impart a burst of fresh flavors and elevate the dish.
- Garlic Lovers’ Dream: If you’re a garlic lover, consider adding minced garlic to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. Fresh garlic can enhance the garlic flavor in the sauce.
- Variety of Cheeses: Experiment with a variety of cheeses to add complexity to the dish. You can mix in some mozzarella or Asiago along with the Parmesan for a richer cheese profile.
- Sauteed Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by sautéing vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms separately. Add them to the crockpot before serving for a colorful and tasty addition.
- Customize Pasta: Use your favorite pasta variety to suit your taste. Whether it’s fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni, the choice of pasta can influence the overall texture and eating experience.
- Grated Nutmeg: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the sauce. Nutmeg complements creamy sauces and can add a subtle warmth to the dish.
- A Touch of White Wine: Deglaze the skillet after browning the chicken with a splash of white wine for added depth and flavor. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before adding it to the crockpot.
- Sautéed Onions: Sauté onions before adding them to the crockpot for a sweeter and more caramelized flavor. This can add a layer of complexity to the overall taste.
- Spice Control: Adjust the spice level to your preference. If the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce is too spicy, consider using half of the bottle and adding more to taste later.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Freshly Ground Pepper: Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. The peppery notes will complement the creaminess and add a nice kick.
- Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta al dente so that it maintains a slight firmness. This helps the pasta hold up well in the creamy sauce.
Remember, these tips are meant to inspire creativity, so feel free to tailor the recipe to your preferences and make it your own!
Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot:
- Brown the Chicken: Before placing the chicken in the crockpot, brown it in a skillet. This step adds depth of flavor by caramelizing the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Freshly grated Parmesan has a richer flavor and better texture when melted into the creamy sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time for the chicken. Overcooking can result in dry and stringy meat. Aim for tender and juicy shredded chicken.
- Season at Every Step: Season the chicken, sauce, and pasta at different stages of the cooking process. This ensures that each component is well-seasoned, contributing to a balanced and flavorful dish.
- Adjust Consistency with Chicken Broth: If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of chicken broth. This prevents the dish from becoming too heavy.
- Add Cream at the End: If using heavy cream or milk, add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent curdling. This helps maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
- Monitor Pasta Cooking Time: Cook the pasta separately and add it to the crockpot towards the end. This ensures that the pasta maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy during the extended cooking time.
- Fresh Garlic vs. Garlic Powder: While the recipe calls for garlic sauce, you can enhance the garlic flavor by adding minced fresh garlic during the sautéing step or opting for garlic powder if you prefer a milder taste.
- Customize Spices: Experiment with additional spices like Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil just before serving. Fresh herbs add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
- Quality Pasta: Invest in high-quality pasta for a better texture and taste. Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well, such as fettuccine or penne.
- Let It Rest: Allow the finished dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.
By incorporating these secrets, you’ll be on your way to creating a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
Here are some potential questions and answers:
- Q: Can I use a different brand of garlic Parmesan sauce? A: Yes, you can use any brand of garlic Parmesan sauce you prefer. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
- Q: How can I make this dish less spicy? A: To reduce spiciness, use a milder garlic Parmesan sauce or cut down on the amount used. You can also add more milk or cream to balance the heat.
- Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a flavorful alternative to chicken breasts. Ensure they are boneless and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Q: Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot? A: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. However, browning is recommended for the best taste.
- Q: Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot for extra nutrients? A: Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutritional value.
- Q: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the Crockpot? A: Cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions and add it to the Crockpot towards the end of the cooking time to maintain its texture.
- Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: While the pasta might absorb more liquid upon freezing, you can freeze leftovers. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Q: What can I serve as a side dish with this Crockpot pasta? A: Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes to complement the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Q: How can I make this dish more kid-friendly? A: If kids prefer a milder taste, opt for a mild garlic Parmesan sauce or reduce the spice level. You can also involve them in choosing the pasta shape and adding their favorite veggies.
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and brown the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble everything in the Crockpot when ready to cook.
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may have different cooking times.
- Q: Can I use low-fat or skim milk in this recipe? A: While whole milk or cream will provide a richer sauce, you can use low-fat or skim milk for a lighter version. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
These questions and answers cover various aspects of making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the Crockpot, addressing common concerns and providing helpful tips.
