Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a hearty and flavorful dinner with this Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. The creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce envelops tender shredded chicken, creating a comforting dish perfect for any evening. Let’s walk through the ingredients and steps to make this delicious meal come to life.
Ingredients Overview
Chicken Breasts: Three large chicken breasts, about 4 lbs total, provide the protein base for this dish.
Onion: One large onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Two bottles of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce offer a rich, garlicky flavor. A splash of milk helps get every last bit of sauce out of the bottles.
Cream Cheese: One brick of cream cheese brings a creamy, tangy richness to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: 8 ounces of parmesan cheese intensify the cheesy goodness and add a savory note.
Pasta: One box of pasta, cooked separately and mixed in just before serving, completes this satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chicken: Place the 3 large chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Onion: Finely chop the large onion and add it to the crock pot.
Step 2: Add the Sauces and Cheeses
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Pour two bottles of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken and onions. Add a little milk to each bottle, shake well to get all the sauce out, and pour into the crock pot.
- Cream Cheese: Cut the brick of cream cheese into smaller chunks and distribute them evenly in the crock pot.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the 8 ounces of parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shredded.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Shredding: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
- Mixing: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir well to combine it with the sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Pasta
- Cooking Pasta: About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook one box of your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combining: Just before serving, add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and mix well to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Helpful Tips for a Seamless Cooking Experience
Tip 1: Even Cooking
- Uniform Pieces: Cutting the cream cheese into smaller pieces helps it melt evenly and incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
Tip 2: Maximize Sauce Use
- Milk Trick: Adding a little milk to the sauce bottles and shaking them ensures you get every bit of the delicious sauce out, maximizing flavor and reducing waste.
Tip 3: Pasta Timing
- Perfect Texture: Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. This keeps the pasta al dente and ensures the dish has a great texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every minute until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a unique twist on the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter? To lighten the dish, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and parmesan cheese. You might also try using half the amount of sauce or opting for a lighter sauce version if available.
What pasta works best with this recipe? Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well because they hold the sauce nicely and are easy to mix with the shredded chicken.
Culinary Secrets for Perfection
Secret 1: Slow Cooker Magic Slow cooking the chicken in the garlic parmesan sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
Secret 2: Creamy Consistency Cutting the cream cheese into smaller pieces ensures it melts evenly, creating a consistently creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
Enjoy this creamy, garlicky, and cheesy Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, and savor the rich flavors and comforting textures it brings to your dinner table
