Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta: Flavor-Packed Comfort Food!

Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food – Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta, Made Easy

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a dish that’s creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make? I’m talking about parmesan garlic chicken pasta, the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. But what if I told you that you could get that same deliciousness with minimal effort, thanks to your trusty crockpot? Yep, that’s right! Today, we’re diving into a fantastic parmesan garlic chicken pasta recipe inspired by the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings, but made in your slow cooker for maximum convenience. Get ready for a meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a real winner because it’s incredibly easy, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with all that garlicky, parmesan goodness, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. It basically cooks itself, so you can spend more time doing other things.

Key Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this parmesan garlic chicken pasta so amazing:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well in this recipe. They become incredibly tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to that authentic garlic flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds that salty, nutty richness that’s essential for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to a smooth, creamy sauce. It creates that luxurious texture that coats every piece of pasta.
• Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor to the dish. Low sodium is preferred to better control the salt level.
• Pasta: Any pasta shape will work, but penne, fettuccine, and rotini are popular choices as they hold the sauce well.
• Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs enhance the flavor of the dish.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Okay, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious parmesan garlic chicken pasta in your crockpot:

1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Add Aromatics: Sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs over the chicken.
3. Pour in Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken and seasonings.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
6. Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the uncooked pasta and the grated parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid.
7. Cook Further: Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional) before serving.

This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to adjust it according to your preference. For instance, if you like more garlic, feel free to add more, the more you like, the more you should add!

Variations and Substitutions

The basic recipe for parmesan garlic chicken pasta is great, but sometimes it’s nice to shake things up a little. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like asiago or pecorino romano for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for some of the heavy cream to reduce the calories.
• Use Different Pasta: Try using different types of pasta such as shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni for a change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s tackle some common questions people have about making parmesan garlic chicken pasta:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes. It’s better to use thawed chicken if possible, though, as it will cook more evenly.

Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?

No, you don’t need to brown the chicken first. It will cook perfectly in the slow cooker, but if you want, you can sear it in a pan before adding it to the crockpot.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute milk, half-and-half, or even evaporated milk for a lighter sauce. However, the result will not be as creamy and rich as when using heavy cream.

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?

While it’s okay to use pre-shredded parmesan, freshly grated parmesan melts much better and will give you a better texture for the sauce, plus it will taste much better!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge and then cook them later. The dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How can I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Be sure to add the pasta at the time specified in the recipe, as overcooking can result in mushy pasta. Also, do not overcook the pasta. Check it at the minimum cooking time, and then every 5 minutes or so after that, until it’s cooked to your liking.

Can I add other spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

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Recipe

Okay, let’s get to the specifics! Here’s the recipe for Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired CrockPot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta:

Buffalo Wild Wings CrockPot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This recipe is simple, easy to make, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 pound uncooked pasta of your choice
• Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish

1x

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 pound uncooked pasta of your choice
• Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish

2x

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 pounds uncooked pasta of your choice
• Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish

3x

• 4.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 12 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 teaspoons Italian herbs
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 3 pounds uncooked pasta of your choice
• Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs over the chicken.
3. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
6. Stir in the uncooked pasta and the grated parmesan cheese.
7. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine.
9. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional) before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding 1/4 cup of Buffalo Wing sauce with the chicken broth.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on the pasta.
• For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese after the pasta has cooked.

Nutritional Information

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Conclusion: The Easiest and Tastiest Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

And there you have it! A delicious and incredibly easy parmesan garlic chicken pasta recipe made in your crockpot that is packed with flavor and comfort. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of a slow cooker and the irresistible taste of Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired garlic parmesan sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is a winner. So grab your crockpot and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and hassle-free dinner! Now go ahead and get to cooking and let me know how it goes in the comments below!

Craving something hearty? 🥣 Check out this Mock Turtle Soup recipe—it’s a comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again! 👉 See the recipe here!