Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta is one of my favorite recipes to make. I love how easy it is to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. The smell of the chicken cooking with the cheese and pasta fills my home, making it feel warm and cozy. This dish is perfect for busy days when I don’t have much time to cook. I remember the first time I made Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta; it was a hit with my family right away!
A Comforting Meal
One rainy evening, I decided to make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta for dinner. I chopped up some chicken, added my favorite pasta, and mixed in a few spices. As I poured in the cheese, I could already picture how creamy and delicious it would be. While the slow cooker worked its magic, I set the table and prepared a fresh salad. The thought of enjoying this meal together made me feel happy inside.
Family Time
When it was time to eat, I gathered my family around the table. The Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta looked so inviting, and the cheese was bubbly and golden. My kids couldn’t wait to dig in! Each bite was creamy and comforting, and I loved hearing everyone’s happy chatter. It felt great to share this meal, knowing I had made something special for them.
After dinner, we cleared the table and laughed while sharing stories. The Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta was not just a meal; it was a moment that brought us together. I often think about that night, and it reminds me of the power of good food and family time. I am always excited to make this dish again, knowing it creates delicious memories for us all.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta
- Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before adding the sauce. This simple step enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and makes a big difference in the final dish.
- For the best taste, use a high-quality Buffalo Wild Wings sauce or homemade garlic Parmesan sauce. The flavor of the sauce is key to the dish’s overall taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded options. If you’re short on time, though, pre-shredded will still work.
- Cook the rotini pasta al dente to ensure it holds up well when mixed with the sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and less enjoyable.
- For added nutrition, consider mixing in fresh spinach or broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This not only boosts the health factor but also adds color and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy dinners throughout the week.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta
4
servings10
minutes4
hours490
kcal4
hours10
minutesDiscover the ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, creamy pasta, and rich Parmesan garlic sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a family favorite that even top chefs would rave about. Ideal for those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal without the fuss. Get ready to whip up this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- Protein
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- Sauce
1/2 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- Dairy
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 ounces cream cheese cubed
- Pasta
6 ounces rotini macaroni
- Alternative Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Substitute with turkey breasts or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Use homemade garlic Parmesan sauce or any similar brand’s sauce.
Milk: Replace with almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative.
Cream Cheese: Opt for dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
Rotini Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or spiral-shaped alternatives like fusilli.
Directions
- Prepare Chicken: Begin by laying the chicken breast halves at the base of your slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors. This foundational step sets the stage for a savory infusion as the dish cooks.
- Add Sauce and Dairy: Pour the entire 1/2 bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the seasoned chicken. In a separate measuring cup, combine 1/2 cup of whole milk and shake the sauce bottle to loosen any remaining sauce, then add the mixture to the crockpot. This ensures every piece of chicken is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over the sauce and chicken. Gently stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of cheese throughout the dish. Place the 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken, adding a creamy richness to the sauce.
- Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy chicken and a rich, creamy sauce.
- Shred and Combine: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, stirring it into the creamy sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful and moist.
- Prepare Pasta: While the chicken is shredding, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Finish the Dish: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the slow cooker, stirring well to combine with the sauce and shredded chicken. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese, a pinch of Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired. Allow the dish to meld together for a few more minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 490kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Vitamin A: 700IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 300mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour if using a slow cooker on low, and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What can I substitute for the Buffalo Wild Wings sauce?
If you don’t have Buffalo Wild Wings sauce, any garlic Parmesan sauce will work. You can also make a homemade version by combining melted butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta or spiral-shaped alternatives like quinoa or rice pasta.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use almond or soy milk instead of whole milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time range to avoid overcooking.
