Ingredients:
- 1 (12 oz.) Bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Milk
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese, cut into blocks
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 12 oz. Pasta (your choice of shape)
Instructions:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken.
- Fill the Parmesan Garlic Sauce bottle with milk and shake well to get all the remaining sauce. Add the milk and the remaining sauce to the crockpot.
- Add the cream cheese, cut into blocks, to the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine and coat the chicken evenly.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should become tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the crockpot. Mix well to combine with the sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Serve the Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot, and enjoy the deliciously creamy and flavorful dish!
Note: This recipe is spicy, so adjust the amount of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce according to your spice preference.
Here are some tips to make your Crockpot Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even more delightful:
- Marinate the Chicken: Before placing the chicken in the crockpot, marinate it in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of fresh herbs such as chopped basil, parsley, or thyme during the last hour of cooking for a burst of freshness and aroma.
- Roasted Garlic: Consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the crockpot. Roasted garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce according to your preference. You can also sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for an additional kick.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer and more authentic flavor. The pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Add Vegetables: Introduce veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for added color, nutrition, and flavor complexity. Throw them into the crockpot about an hour before the cooking time is complete.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon Zest: Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest over the pasta to brighten up the flavors and add a citrusy note.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs and Extra Parmesan: Before serving, garnish the dish with additional fresh herbs and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of taste and visual appeal.
- Cook Pasta Separately: To maintain optimal pasta texture, cook it separately according to package instructions. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot just before serving, ensuring it doesn’t overcook in the slow cooker.
- Experiment with Pasta Varieties: Try different pasta shapes or types to add variety and texture. For example, use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine instead of the usual spaghetti.
Remember to tailor these tips to your personal preferences and dietary requirements for the best possible outcome. Enjoy your delightful Crockpot Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Here are some secrets to help you master this delicious dish:
- Sear the Chicken: Before placing the chicken in the crockpot, sear it in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil. Searing helps lock in the flavors and adds a nice caramelization to the chicken.
- Layer Flavors: Layering flavors is crucial in slow-cooking dishes. Allow the chicken to absorb the garlic sauce by placing it at the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures each bite is infused with the savory goodness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients contribute to a more vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
- Adjust Spice Levels Gradually: If you’re unsure about the spice level, add the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce gradually. You can always adjust the heat later with additional sauce or red pepper flakes, but it’s harder to tone down excessive spiciness.
- Control Moisture Levels: If the sauce seems too thin during cooking, you can thicken it by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with water and adding it to the crockpot. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the desired consistency is reached.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time. Overcooking can result in dry chicken. The goal is to have tender, easily shredded chicken.
- Add Dairy Last: To prevent dairy from curdling during the cooking process, add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese during the last hour of cooking. This ensures a creamy and smooth texture.
- Freshly Grate Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties for a more intense and nuanced flavor.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the ingredients a gentle stir occasionally to ensure even coating of the chicken with the sauce and to prevent any sticking.
- Finish with a Fresh Element: Just before serving, add a burst of freshness with a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of chopped fresh herbs. This brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
By incorporating these secrets into your cooking process, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Crockpot Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Easy Crockpot Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
Q1: Can I use a different brand of garlic Parmesan sauce if I can’t find Buffalo Wild Wings? A1: Yes, you can substitute any garlic Parmesan sauce of your choice. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Q2: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A2: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quicker cooking and shredding, you can use bone-in chicken, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Q3: What can I serve as a side dish with Crockpot Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? A3: A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are popular side options to complement the pasta dish.
Q4: How do I store leftovers? A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Q5: Can I freeze Crockpot Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? A5: While pasta can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the shredded chicken and sauce separately, then recombine and reheat after thawing.
Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta? A6: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or experiment with different varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Q7: How can I make it less spicy for a milder version? A7: Adjust the spice level by using less Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce or omitting the red pepper flakes. You can always add more sauce later to taste.
Q8: Can I cook this recipe on high for a shorter time? A8: Yes, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of low for 3-4 hours. Keep an eye on the chicken’s tenderness and adjust as needed.
Q9: What can I substitute for cream cheese? A9: You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist. Add it towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
Q10: Can I make this recipe without a crockpot? A10: Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred. Adjust cooking times accordingly.