🧄Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta — A Creamy Flavorful Pasta Dish — Vegan Option Available
For a dish that is rich and comforting and full of bold flavors, it has got to be garlic Parmesan chicken pasta. This recipe features juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce flavored with a wallop of garlic. It’s a dish that is easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to put on the table for a gathering. In this blog, we will be discussing all of the major aspects that you should know about everything there is to know about making this crowd-pleasing dish—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations, and even some fun facts about the star components of the ones. Let’s get started!
❤️ The Post 🧄Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You Need to Make Why You Need This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
The garlic in the dough can make you fart; anyway, there’s something magical about garlic and Parmesan. The sharp, pungent, savory notes of garlic are a perfect complement to the nutty, salty richness of Parmesan cheese. Topped with juicy chicken and a bed of al dente pasta, and you have a dish that is equal parts hearty and soul-soothing. Whether you’re an experienced cook or an inexperienced one, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to suit your needs. And it’s a one-pan wonder, which cuts down on cleanup—always a bonus!
⚖️ Crock pot Love❤️: Why This Recipe Is Perfect for the Slow Cooker
The Crock pot concept is genius—the easy-going way of making food. Throw in your ingredients, set it, and forget it—hours later, you are rewarded with a steaming, fragrant dish that tastes as though you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day. For this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, the slow cooker takes the heavy lifting, gently pumping the chicken full of deep, complex flavors while keeping it juicy and tender. The creamy sauce sticks to the pasta nicely, and the Parmesan adds that lovely final cheesy touch. It’s a no-nonsense approach that produces blockbuster results.
Also, if you’re a fan of Buffalo Wild Wings and their bold, zesty offerings, this recipe steals a little of the spirit of those wings. While it’s not a direct copycat, the creamy garlic Parmesan vibe harks back to the deeply indulgent sauces you’d find on their menu—like, call this a home-cooked spin with a nod to those takeout faves.
🛒 Key Ingredients Breakdown
To make this creamy, cheesy delight, you need a few simple but punchy ingredients:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding.
- Pasta: You can use penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta that holds the sauce nicely.
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Buffalo Wild Wings makes a classic version, or make your own or buy store-bought.
- Cocoa Cream Cheese: For richness and creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: For a nice, velvety texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated; they would be the freshest approach
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion sauce, Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
- Butter: To sauté and to add richness.
Want to elevate the dish? You can also add crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of spinach for additional nutrition.
Ingredients ❤️ You’ll Need
Before we begin, let’s round up all the ingredients you’ll need to make this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta come alive. This recipe can feed around 6–8 people, so scale up or down depending on whether you’re cooking for a crowd or if it’s just you.
- Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs if you prefer darker meat).
- Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced (fresh is best for that punchy flavor)
- Parmesan: 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Pre-grated works in a pinch, but fresh is king)
- Pasta: 1 lb your favorite pasta—Penne, rotini, or farfalle catch sauce beautifully.
- Creamy Base: 1 cup heavy cream + 1 cup chicken broth (for silky thickness).
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted, to enrich the creamy sauce.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional for a Buffalo Wild Wings-style kick).
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened (the secret to an ultra-creamy finish)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, to sear the chicken (optional but recommended)
- Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional but brightens it up)
They all come together in a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and, oh, so creamy. It’s all about the garlic and Parmesan, and the Crock pot makes sure
The chicken remains juicy, and the pasta absorbs all that flavor.
🥘 Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta Crock pot bake. Don’t stress—in reality, it’s pretty simple, and I’ll show you just how every step of the way.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. To add another layer of flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and spoon the chicken a quick sear, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. This step is optional, but it seals in juices and builds flavor in the dish. After you sear the chicken, transfer it to the bottom of your Crock pot.
STEP 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and softened cream cheese until smooth in a bowl. Stir in 1 cup of the grated Parmesan until melted into the mixture. Pour this creamy goodness over the chicken in the slow cooker. Dab the top with the butter—it’ll melt in as it cooks, enriching the sauce further.
Step 3: The Long And Low Road
Place the lid on the Crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Your chicken will be fork-tender and full of garlic and Parmesan flavor by now. When cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crock pot—it’ll absorb all that creamy sauce like a dream.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before you want to eat, cook your pasta according to package directions in a separate pot. (This helps ensure al dente — it will finish cooking in the sauce.) Drain the pasta, and leave it in the colander.
Step 5: (Optional) Mix it All Up and Bake It
Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot, tossing it with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce. For a Buffalo Wild Wings-style finish, dust with the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan on top and scoop it all into a baking dish. Pop it under the broiler 3-5 minutes until the Parmesan is golden and bubbly. This bake step is optional but provides a beautiful texture contrast.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little more Parmesan if you’re feeling decadent. Serve it hot, and let your family or guests dig into this creamy, garlic-carved delight.
🔑 Tips for Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Want to take this dish from good to restaurant-worthy? Here are some expert tips:
Avoid Mushy Pasta:
Cook the pasta slightly less than directions before throwing it into the crock pot. It will continue to cook during baking.
Enhance the Flavor:
Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce to brighten the taste.
Choose the Right Cheese:
Use fresh grated Parmesan instead of the packaged kind for a better melt.
Throw in sharp cheddar for extra cheese kick.
Get the Perfect Bake:
Don’t omit the baking step — it adds texture and helps the dish from feeling too heavy.
Add Veggies:
Mix in some steamed broccoli, spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
🌟 How To Make The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To ensure your dish is a winner every single time, below are some pro tips:
- Fresh Garlic Is Key: You can use the pre-minced garlic that comes in a jar, and it will work, but fresh cloves bring a more nuanced, brighter, and bolder flavor that goes wonderfully with the Parmesan.
- Don’t Cut Corners With Parmesan: Grate your own from a block, and you’ll get the best melt and flavor. It’s worth the extra effort.
- Turn Down the Heat: Are you a fan of Buffalo Wild Wings’ spicy kick? Mix in a tablespoon of buffalo sauce or hot red pepper flakes in the creamy sauce for a gentle spicy note.
- Crock pot Timing: Slow cookers vary; check the chicken when it’s in the lower end of the cooking range to avoid overcooking.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the sauce and chicken in the crock pot insert the night before and refrigerate. Just pop it in to cook the day after for a ridiculously simpler meal.
Why This Is Buffalo Wild Wings at Home
If you ever find yourself wanting the heavy sauces from Buffalo Wild Wings but wanted something cozy you could eat in your pajamas, this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a hit. The creamy texture is reminiscent of their signature sauces, while the garlic and Parmesan combo packs that signature, savory punch. It isn’t a wing dish, but it embodies that same spirit of comfort and flavor—ideal for when you’re craving restaurant vibes without having to leave the house.
🌶️ Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible, too, so don’t hesitate to adjust it to suit you:
- Snuck In Veggies: Add spinach, broccoli, or peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking in the crock pot to add color and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Blend buffalo sauce or hot sauce right in for that authentic Buffalo Wild Wings kick.
- Casserole: Forget the crock pot and just bake everything in a casserole dish at 375°F for 45 minutes—great if you’re short on time.
- Vary Your Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a fun variation on the creamy pasta theme.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a meal in itself, but a couple sides can elevate it:
- Garlic Bread: Go in for more of that garlic love when you double up with a crusty, buttery loaf.
- Salad: A clásico green salad with a sharp, vinaigrette-based dressing to counter the creamy richness.
- For wine pairing, a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the Parmesan and chicken beautifully.
❄️ Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish keeps beautifully, so it’s also great for meal prep. Here’s how to make sure it tastes fresh:
Refrigeration:
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Let cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 60-second bursts, stirring in between each.
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
- Stove top: Add a splash of milk or cream while stirring to maintain creaminess
More Easy Delicious Recipes
Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Savory and tasty, this Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is super easy to make. It’s an easy chicken pasta recipe involving tender chicken and savory Parmesan cheese and a wonderfully creamy garlic sauce that makes a dish nice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. And the crockpot makes dinner almost effortless!
INGREDIENTS
For the Crockpot:
For the Pasta:
INSTRUCTIONS
Step-by-Step Recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need it later to adjust the sauce consistency.
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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should turn golden, not brown, to keep its flavor sweet and mellow.
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Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that glorious garlic parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your garlic parmesan chicken pasta into bowls, sprinkle with extra parmesan and chopped parsley, and dig in while it’s hot! Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 479kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 395mg17%
- Potassium 607mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 36g72%
- Vitamin A 671 IU
- Vitamin C 3 mg
- Calcium 127 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
