Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
July 9, 2024
source: Together as Family
I always try to make and try new recipes, especially when they promise to be deliciously simple and can save me from my usual weeknight dinner dilemmas. You know the drill – work has been a madhouse, the kids are clamoring for attention, and you realize you forgot to defrost the chicken. On one such chaotic evening, I stumbled upon a gem: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Credit for this little miracle goes to the folks over at Together as Family. Their recipe caught my eye, and boy, am I glad it did.
The Magic Ingredients
Let me break down the essentials for you. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) parmesan garlic sauce (More on this below!)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (2% or whole milk is best)
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta
Sounds easy enough, right? Now, let me tell you how it all comes together.
Setting Up the Crockpot
First things first, grab those boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in the bottom of your trusty crockpot. If you’re anything like me, your crockpot is practically an extension of your kitchen counter. It’s seen countless stews, chilis, and roasts, but this dish quickly became one of its star performances.
Once your chicken is snug in the crockpot, pour that entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce (Buffalo Wild Wings sauce!) over the top. The sauce is what makes this dish stand out. I found a great one at my local store that had a nice, creamy texture with just the right amount of garlic kick. Don’t be shy with it – you want every inch of that chicken covered in garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Next, it’s time to add the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle it evenly over the chicken and sauce, and then top it off with the cream cheese. The cream cheese might seem a bit odd, but trust me on this one. It melts down perfectly and adds an extra layer of creamy texture that’s just divine.
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Yes, I know, the waiting game begins. But here’s a pro tip: use this time wisely. Finish that book you’ve been meaning to read, or maybe catch up on your favorite show. The crockpot is doing all the heavy lifting now.
Bringing It All Together
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, it’s time to tackle the pasta. Boil a pot of water and cook your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Rotini is perfect for this dish because its twists and turns hold onto the sauce so well.
While the pasta is cooking, check on your chicken. It should be tender and practically falling apart by now. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This is where you’ll see all those flavors melding together in a glorious, creamy blend.
Once your pasta is done, drain it and add it straight into the crockpot. Pour in the 1/4 cup of milk to help thin out the sauce a bit, making it easier to coat all the pasta. Give everything a good stir, making sure every piece of pasta gets a nice coating of that rich, cheesy sauce.
The Grand Finale
Now comes the best part – the taste test. Scoop a generous helping of your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta onto a plate, sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in.
The first bite is pure bliss. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, having soaked up all that parmesan garlic goodness. The sauce is creamy and decadent, with the perfect balance of garlic and cheese. And the pasta? It’s tender and holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite a little bit of heaven.
In my house, this dish has become an instant hit. The kids love it, the husband loves it, and I love how easy it is to make. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that basically cooks itself.
I’ve also found that this recipe is quite forgiving. If you don’t have rotini, you can easily substitute with penne or even spaghetti. And if you’re in the mood for a little heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick.
Leftovers? Yes, Please!
One of the best things about this dish is that it makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors seem to get even better the next day. Just pop a serving in the microwave, and you’ve got a quick and delicious lunch.
So, a huge thank you to Together as Family for sharing this gem of a recipe. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will in yours too. For the full recipe, detailed instructions and more delicious inspiration, be sure to visit their site. You won’t be disappointed.
In the end, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal. It’s a solution for busy nights, a comfort on a plate, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes can bring the most joy. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you!