Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of garlic parmesan pasta colliding head-on with the zesty, spicy kick of Buffalo Wild Wings – all simmered to perfection in your crock pot. This Crock Pot Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an unexpected flavor explosion that’s incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite, so let’s get cooking!
The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken & Sauce Base:
- 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show!
- 1 (16 oz) Bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: This is where the magic happens, don’t skimp!
- 1 (10.75 oz) Can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and body to the sauce.
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth: Helps to keep everything moist and prevents sticking.
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened: For extra richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Because you can never have too much garlic!
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For an extra kick of heat.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season!
Pasta & Cheese:
- 1 lb Pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Farfalle): Choose your favorite shape!
- 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds that signature parmesan flavor.
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For a cheesy, gooey topping.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Crock Pot to Comfort Food
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken. Get every last drop!
- Creamy Goodness: Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the crock pot.
- Season & Stir: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
- Cook Time: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crock pot.
- Mix it Up: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Pasta Power: Cooking and Combining
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water! Cook until al dente – you don’t want it to be mushy.
- Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot with the chicken and sauce. Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Cheesy Finale: Melting and Serving
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture in the crock pot.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the crock pot and let it sit for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also turn the crock pot to low for about 5-10 minutes to speed up the melting process.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Chicken Cooking Wisdom:
Want to make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked and tender? Don’t overcook it! Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to speed up the process. Just add it in during the last hour of cooking.
Sauce Sensations:
The Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce is the key ingredient, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes. If you can’t find the Buffalo Wild Wings brand, any garlic parmesan wing sauce will work. You can even make your own from scratch!
Pasta Perfection:
Al dente pasta is crucial for this dish. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unappetizing. If you’re not serving immediately, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the crock pot just before serving to prevent it from becoming overcooked. You could even try using a gluten-free pasta option for a dietary modification.
Cheesy Choices:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese can add a unique twist to this dish. For a creamier sauce, try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions
Spice It Up!
If you love a fiery kick, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the crock pot. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños for extra heat. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika in the sauce.
Veggie Boost:
Add some vegetables to make this a more complete meal. Diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Stir them into the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
Creamier Dreamier:
Want an even creamier pasta? Stir in an extra 4 oz of cream cheese or 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will make the sauce extra rich and decadent.
Leftover Love:
This Crock Pot Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
Side Salad:
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich and flavorful pasta. The acidity of the vinaigrette will help to balance the richness of the sauce.
Garlic Bread:
You can never go wrong with garlic bread! Serve it warm and crusty for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Steamed Vegetables:
Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious sides that pair well with this pasta dish.
More Pasta Perfection: Explore These Delicious Recipes
If you’re a pasta lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other amazing recipes! For a romantic dinner, try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Or, if you’re craving something hearty and comforting, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a must-try. If casseroles are more your speed, then the Chicken Casserole Recipe is a classic. Another family favorite, especially with the kids, is Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Craving more parmesan? You’ll love this Parmesan Chicken Pasta and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.
Why This Recipe Works: The Magic of Slow Cooking
The beauty of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, resulting in a truly unforgettable dish. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Plus, it’s so easy! Just throw everything in the crock pot and let it do its thing.
Time to Dig In!
So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing recipe for Crock Pot Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more!
Can I use a different type of wing sauce if I can’t find Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce?
Yes, any garlic parmesan wing sauce will work as a substitute. You can even make your own from scratch.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the crock pot?
Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. If you’re not serving immediately, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the crock pot just before serving.
What are some ways to add more vegetables to this dish?
You can add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
How long can I store leftovers, and what’s the best way to reheat them?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Crock Pot Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot in a single layer.
- Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken.
- Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the crock pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crock pot.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water! Cook until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot with the chicken and sauce. Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture in the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot and let it sit for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also turn the crock pot to low for about 5-10 minutes to speed up the melting process.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
