Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You know those nights when you look at the clock and realize it’s 5:30 and you have no idea what’s for dinner? The kids are hungry, you’re exhausted, and the last thing you want is a complicated recipe with a million steps. I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s exactly why this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake became my go-to.
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with that rich garlic parmesan flavor that everyone loves. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker. You just dump everything in, let it do its thing, and dinner is ready with minimal effort. No standing over a hot stove, no constant stirring. Just pure comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This creamy chicken pasta bake has saved my sanity on so many busy weeknights. And the leftovers? They’re even better the next day, if you’re lucky enough to have any. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let me walk you through what you’ll need for this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake. The ingredient list is super simple, and you can find everything at your local grocery store. No fancy stuff here.
Here’s what you’ll grab for this easy pasta bake recipe:
- Boneless skinless chicken fillets About 1.5 to 2 pounds. You can use fresh or frozen, just adjust the cooking time a bit.
- Kosher salt and black pepper For seasoning the chicken. Simple but essential.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce This is the secret weapon! A 12-ounce bottle gives you that incredible creamy garlic flavor. You can find it at most grocery stores near the wing sauces.
- Whole milk One cup helps create that luscious, creamy sauce.
- Cream cheese Eight ounces, softened to room temperature. This is what makes the sauce so rich and velvety.
- Grated Parmesan cheese A quarter cup, plus more for garnish. Go for the good stuff if you can.
- Rotini or penne pasta About 12 to 16 ounces. Any short pasta works great here.
That’s it! No long list of obscure ingredients. Just simple, pantry-friendly items that come together to make something amazing. This cheesy pasta bake with chicken is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients for incredible flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Alright, let’s get cooking! This how to make pasta bake section breaks it down into four simple stages. Each one is easy, and I’ll share some tips I’ve learned along the way.
Stage 1: Season and Slow Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken fillets with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning it really makes a difference. Place them in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. That’s it for this step. Easy, right?
Now, here’s where the magic happens. Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. Then, here’s a little trick I picked up: pour the milk into the empty sauce bottle, screw the cap on, and shake it well. This gets every last bit of that delicious sauce out of the bottle. Pour this milk-sauce mixture into the slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything and make sure the chicken is coated.
Stage 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is absolutely incredible. That garlic parmesan sauce for pasta just gets better and better as it cooks.
Stage 3: Shred the Chicken and Cook the Pasta
Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it if you prefer. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This is super important: don’t overcook it! The pasta will continue to cook a little in the warm sauce, so al dente is perfect. Drain it well.
Stage 4: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker and stir until everything is evenly combined. The sauce will coat every nook and cranny of the pasta. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if you want. And honestly, you’ll want that extra cheese. The best cheese for pasta bake is always more cheese!
When you pull that lid off, the smell is just… wow. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet because they’re too busy eating. This oven baked pasta (well, slow cooker baked) is pure comfort.
Top Tips for Success
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake turn out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. This is the number one mistake people make. Cook it just until al dente, or even a minute less. It will soften a bit more when you mix it with the hot sauce.
- Soften your cream cheese. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. Room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly into the sauce.
- Taste the sauce for spice level. The Buffalo Wild Wings sauce has a little kick to it. Before you add any extra heat, give it a taste. You might find it’s just right as is.
- Use a rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. If you’re really short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. Shred it and add it to the sauce instead of cooking raw chicken. This rotisserie chicken pasta bake hack saves even more time.
- Let the sauce thicken. If your sauce seems a little thin, let the slow cooker sit uncovered for about 10 minutes after cooking. It will thicken up nicely.
These little tips have saved me more than once. Trust me, they make a difference. This weeknight dinner pasta bake is forgiving, but a little know-how goes a long way.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake is how customizable it is. You can switch things up based on what you have on hand or what your family likes. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the pasta. Not a fan of rotini? Use penne, rigatoni, ziti, or even elbow macaroni. Any short pasta works great. This baked penne with chicken variation is a family favorite.
- Add some veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or fresh spinach make excellent additions. Stir them in when you add the shredded chicken. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
- Use a different sauce. The Buffalo Wild Wings sauce is amazing, but you can use any bottled creamy garlic parmesan wing sauce you find at your local store. They all work well.
- Make it a chicken alfredo bake. For an even creamier version, add an extra splash of milk or a little heavy cream at the end. It transforms into a chicken alfredo bake that’s incredibly indulgent.
- Go gluten-free. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and check that your wing sauce is gluten-free. Most are, but it’s always good to double-check.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is super forgiving. The creamy garlic sauce works with so many different add-ins. It’s a kid friendly pasta bake that you can tweak to please even the pickiest eaters.
Storage and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen often in my house), here’s how to store and reheat this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake so it stays just as delicious.
Storing: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making it taste even better the next day. This leftover pasta bake is a gift for your future self.
Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes. If the sauce seems a little dry, add a splash of milk before reheating. For a quick single serving, microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. The microwave is faster, but the oven gives you a slightly better texture.
Freezing: This freezer friendly pasta bake freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s perfect for those nights when you need dinner in a pinch.
What to Serve With This Dish
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides really round it out. Here’s what I love to serve with it:
- A simple green salad. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness balances the richness of the pasta bake perfectly.
- Crusty garlic bread. Because you’ll want something to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is pure heaven.
- Roasted vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans roasted with a little olive oil and salt make a great side. They add color and crunch to the meal.
- A glass of iced tea. Especially in the summer, a tall glass of cold iced tea is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty dish.
This comfort food pasta bake is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, satisfying, and just feels like home. And honestly, that’s what cooking is all about.
You’ve totally got this. Make it tonight and watch everyone dig in. I promise, there won’t be a single complaint. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, I’d love for you to check out my Pinterest board where I share all my favorite recipes. Happy cooking!
Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Place them in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Pour the entire bottle of Parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken.
- Pour the milk into the empty sauce bottle, screw the cap on, and shake well to collect any remaining sauce. Pour this milk-sauce mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine everything and ensure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Shred it with two forks or dice into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
- While the chicken rests, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker and stir until everything is evenly combined. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake in a slow cooker?
It’s so easy! Season chicken fillets and place them in the slow cooker. Pour over a bottle of parmesan garlic wing sauce, milk, and softened cream cheese. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, add cooked pasta, and stir. That’s it!
Can I use a different type of pasta for this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake?
Absolutely! Any short pasta works great. Try penne, rigatoni, ziti, or even elbow macaroni. Just cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce. Rotini is my personal favorite because the sauce clings to all those little spirals.
What is Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce and where can I find it?
It’s a creamy, tangy wing sauce with a rich garlic parmesan flavor and a slight kick. You can find it in the condiment aisle or near the wing sauces at most grocery stores like Ralphs, Vons, or Target. If you can’t find it, any creamy garlic parmesan wing sauce works.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else in this recipe?
For a similar creamy texture, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Just note that Greek yogurt might make the sauce a little tangier. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The sauce will still be delicious.
How should I store leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of milk. You can also microwave single servings for 2-3 minutes. It freezes well for up to 3 months too.