đ§Garlic ParmesanâChicken Pasta â A Creamy Flavorful Pasta Dish â Vegan Option Available
For a dish that is rich and comfortingâand 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 flavoredâwith a wallop of garlic. Itâs a dish that is easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enoughâto put on the table for a gathering. In this blog, we will be discussing all of the major aspects that you shouldâknow about everything there is to know about making this crowd-pleasing dishâfrom ingredients to step-by-step instructions,âtips, and variations, and even some fun facts about the star components of the ones. Letâs get started!
â¤ď¸ The Post đ§Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You Need to Make Why You NeedâThis Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
The garlic in the dough can makeâyou fart; anyway, thereâs something magical about garlic and Parmesan. The sharp, pungent, savory notes of garlic are a perfect complementâto the nutty, salty richness of Parmesan cheese. Topped with juicy chicken and aâbed of al dente pasta,âand you have a dish that is equal parts hearty and soul-soothing. Whether youâre an experienced cook or an inexperienced one, this recipe is easy toâfollow and adaptable to suit your needs. And itâs a one-pan wonder, which cuts downâon cleanupâalways a bonus!
âď¸ Crock pot Loveâ¤ď¸: Why This Recipe IsâPerfect for the Slow Cooker
The Crock pot conceptâis geniusâthe easy-going way of making food. Throw in your ingredients, set it, and forgetâitâhours later, you are rewarded with a steaming, fragrant dish that tastes as though youâve 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 flavorsâwhile keeping it juicy and tender. The creamy sauce sticks to the pastaânicely, and the Parmesan adds that lovely final cheesy touch. Itâsâa no-nonsense approach that produces blockbuster results.
Also, if youâreâa fan of Buffalo Wild Wings and their bold, zesty offerings, this recipe steals a little of the spirit of those wings. While itâs not a direct copycat, the creamy garlic Parmesan vibe harks back to the deeply indulgent sauces youâd find on theirâmenuâlike, call this a home-cooked spin with a nod to those takeout faves.
đ Key Ingredients Breakdown
Toâmake this creamy, cheesy delight, you need a few simple but punchy ingredients:
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chickenâbreasts for easy shredding.
Pasta: You canâuse 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 buyâstore-bought.
Cocoa Cream Cheese: Forârichness and creaminess.
Heavy Cream: For aânice, velvety texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated; theyâwould be the freshest approach
Seasonings: Garlic powder,âonion sauce, Italian herbs, and garlicâpowder.
Butter: ToâsautĂŠ and to add richness.
Want to elevate the dish? You can also add crispy baconâbits, sautĂŠed mushrooms, or a handful of spinach for additional nutrition.
Ingredients â¤ď¸ Youâll Need
Before we begin, letâs round up all the ingredients youâll need to makeâthis garlic Parmesan chicken pasta come alive. This recipe can feed around 6â8âpeople, so scale up or down depending on whether youâre cooking for a crowd or if itâs just you.
Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breastâ(or thighs if you prefer darker meat).
Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced (fresh is best for that punchy flavor)
Parmesan:â1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Pre-grated works in a pinch, but fresh is king)
Pasta: 1âlb your favorite pastaâPenne, rotini, or farfalle catch sauce beautifully.
Creamy Base: 1 cup heavy creamâ+ 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 aâsprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional for a Buffalo Wild Wings-style kick).
Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened (the secret to anâultra-creamy finish)
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons,âto sear the chicken (optional but recommended)
Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional butâbrightens it up)
Theyâall come together in a dish thatâs hearty, flavorful, and, oh, so creamy. Itâs all about the garlic andâParmesan, and the Crock pot makes sure
The chickenâremains juicy, and the pasta absorbs all that flavor.
đĽ Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, letâsâdive into the nitty-gritty of making this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta Crock pot bake. Donât stressâin reality, itâs pretty simple, and Iâll showâyou just how every step of the way.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by seasoning yourâchicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. To add another layer of flavor, heat the olive oilâin a skillet over medium-high heat and spoon the chicken a quick sear, 2-3 minutes per side, untilâgolden. This step is optional, but it seals in juices and builds flavor inâthe dish. After you sear the chicken, transfer itâto the bottom of your Crock pot.
STEP 2:âMake the Creamy Sauce
Combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, mincedâgarlic, and softened cream cheese until smooth in a bowl. Stir in 1 cup of the grated Parmesan until melted into theâmixture. Pour this creamy goodness over the chicken in theâslow cooker. Dabâthe top with the butterâit'll melt in as it cooks, enriching the sauce further.
Stepâ3: The Long And Low Road
Place the lid on the Crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high forâ2-3 hours. Your chicken will be fork-tender and full of garlicâand Parmesan flavor by now. When cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right inâthe Crock potâitâll 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 packageâdirections in a separate pot. (This helps ensure al dente ââit will finish cooking in the sauce.) Drain the pasta, andâleave it in the colander.
Stepâ5: (Optional) Mix it All Up and Bake It
Add the cooked pasta toâthe crock pot, tossing it with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce. For a Buffalo Wild Wings-style finish, dust with the remaining ½âcup of Parmesan on top and scoop it all into a bakingâdish. Pop it under the broiler 3-5âminutes until the Parmesan is golden and bubbly. This bakeâstep is optional but provides a beautiful texture contrast.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle withâchopped parsley and a little more Parmesan if youâre feeling decadent. Serve it hot, and letâyour family or guests dig into this creamy, garlic-carved delight.
đ Tips forâMaking the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Want to take this dish fromâgood to restaurant-worthy? Here are some expert tips:
Avoid Mushy Pasta:
Cook the pasta slightly less than directionsâbefore throwing it into the crock pot. Itâwill continue to cook during baking.
Enhance the Flavor:
Sprinkle in someâred pepper flakes for heat.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce toâbrighten the taste.
Choose the Right Cheese:
Use fresh gratedâParmesan instead of the packaged kind for a better melt.
Throw in sharp cheddarâfor extra cheese kick.
Get the Perfect Bake:
Donât omit the baking step â it adds texture and helps theâdish from feeling too heavy.
Add Veggies:
Mix in some steamed broccoli, spinach orâmushrooms for extra nutrition.
đ How To Make The BestâGarlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To ensure yourâdish 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, andâbolder flavor that goes wonderfully with the Parmesan.
Donât Cut Corners With Parmesan: Grate your own from a block, and youâll getâthe best melt and flavor. Itâs worth the extra effort.
Turn Down the Heat: Are you a fan of Buffalo WildâWingsâ spicy kick? Mix in a tablespoon of buffalo sauce or hotâred pepperâflakes in the creamy sauce for a gentle spicy note.
Crock pot Timing: Slow cookers vary; check the chicken when itâs in the lower endâof the cooking range to avoid overcooking.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the sauce and chicken in the crock pot insert theânight before and refrigerate. Just pop itâin to cook the day after for a ridiculously simpler meal.
Why ThisâIs Buffalo Wild Wings at Home
If you ever find yourselfâwanting the heavy sauces from Buffalo Wild Wings but wanted something cozy you could eatâin your pajamas, this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a hit. The creamy texture is reminiscentâof their signature sauces, while the garlic and Parmesan combo packs that signature, savory punch. It isnât a wing dish, but it embodies that same spirit of comfort and flavorâideal for when youâre craving restaurant vibes without having to leave the house.
đśď¸ Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible, too, so donât hesitate to adjust it to suitâyou:
Snuck In Veggies: Addâspinach, 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 rightâin for that authentic Buffalo Wild Wings kick.
Casserole: Forget the crock pot and just bake everything in a casseroleâdish at 375°F for 45 minutesâgreat if youâre short on time.
Vary Your Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a funâvariation on the creamy pasta theme.
đ˝ď¸ Serving Suggestions
This garlic Parmesan chickenâpasta is a meal in itself, but a couple sides can elevate it:
Garlic Bread: Go inâfor more of that garlic love when you double up with a crusty, buttery loaf.
Salad: A clĂĄsico green salad with a sharp, vinaigrette-based dressing toâcounter the creamy richness.
For wine pairing, a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the Parmesan and chickenâbeautifully.
âď¸ Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish keeps beautifully, so itâs also great forâmeal prep. Hereâs how to make sure itâtastes fresh:
Refrigeration:
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4âdays.
Freezing:
Let cool completely and transfer to freezer-safeâcontainers.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnightâin the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in 60-second bursts, stirring in betweenâeach.
Oven:â350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
Stove top: Add a splash of milk or cream while stirring to maintain creaminess
Savory andâtasty, this Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is super easy to make. Itâs an easy chicken pasta recipe involving tender chicken and savory Parmesan cheese and a wonderfully creamy garlic sauceâthat makes a dish nice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. And the crockpot makesâdinner almost effortless!
INGREDIENTS
For the Crockpot:
2lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
8oz cream cheese, cubed
1cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1tsp garlic powder
1tsp onion powder
1/2tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
1lb penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta
1cups ½ shredded mozzarella cheese
1cup grated parmesan cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Step-by-Step Recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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.
2
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.
3
Step 3: SautĂŠ the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sautĂŠ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlicâit should turn golden, not brown, to keep its flavor sweet and mellow.
4
5
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.
6
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.
7
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 itâs hot! Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
Amount Per Serving
Calories479kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat17g27%
Saturated Fat8g40%
Trans Fat0.1g
Cholesterol110mg37%
Sodium395mg17%
Potassium607mg18%
Total Carbohydrate45g15%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Sugars3g
Protein36g72%
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.
Keywords:
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Lovelydrinkfood
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Welcome to LovelyDrinkFood.com! Iâm thrilled to share my love for cooking with you. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting out, you'll find inspiration, tips, and mouthwatering recipes to make your kitchen the heart of your home.