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This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is simple to make and packed with tons of flavor. Juicy chicken cooks slowly in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, ready to be tossed with pasta when you get home. It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
There’s nothing I love more than a recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort—especially on those busy days when time seems to slip away. This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken has become one of my go-to meals for exactly that reason. Imagine tender chicken in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s pure comfort food, and the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe. It’s perfect for those days when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s get cooking!
Before You Start
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened and cut into cubes. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Use the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you can also use thighs for a juicier result.
- Choose Your Pasta: Use sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, mafalda or shells that hold the sauce well.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more milk or reserved pasta water when combining everything at the end.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will absorb some sauce, cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: You’ll need boneless and skinless chicken breasts, these become tender and juicy as they cook slowly. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you want.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy and rich texture to the sauce, making it velvety smooth. If you prefer a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese instead.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for melting, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Infuses the dish with a robust garlic and Parmesan flavor. If you can’t find this specific sauce, substitute with Alfredo sauce mixed with additional minced garlic for a similar taste.
- Milk: You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk if you prefer.
- Pasta: Opt for sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
Place 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Add 4 ounces of softened, cubed cream cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce on top of the chicken. Pour ½ cup of milk over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Tip: Spreading the sauce ingredients evenly helps them melt and combine during cooking.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
While the chicken is cooking or just before it’s done, prepare 8 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Tip: Cooking the pasta al dente prevents it from becoming too soft once mixed with the sauce.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cooked pasta.
Gently stir to mix the pasta with the chicken and sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Slow Cooker I Use
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
If you can’t find this sauce, you can use another brand of garlic parmesan wing sauce or mix 1 cup of Alfredo sauce with 2-3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat it and cook the pasta fresh to mix in.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before adding freshly cooked pasta.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli when you combine the pasta and sauce.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken features tender shredded chicken in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce tossed with pasta. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a delicious meal later!
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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Add the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce on top of the chicken. Pour the ½ cup of milk over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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Prepare your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
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Add the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Gently stir to mix the pasta with the chicken and sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors.
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Ladle into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in additional milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Pasta Options: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, including whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach when adding the pasta for added nutrition.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 759kcal (38%)Carbohydrates: 50g (17%)Protein: 41g (82%)Fat: 44g (68%)Saturated Fat: 15g (94%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 122mg (41%)Sodium: 1805mg (78%)Potassium: 542mg (15%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 8g (9%)Vitamin A: 632IU (13%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 375mg (38%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
