At the heart of this viral TikTok favorite is an embrace of comfort: slow-cooked, garlicky sauce clinging to tender shredded chicken and twirled with al dente rotini. Close your eyes and imagine the warm, buttery aroma of Parmesan and garlic filling the kitchen, the first forkful delivering creamy tang, a whisper of sharp cheese, and the comforting chew of pasta. The texture is luxurious — silky sauce with pockets of shredded chicken — and the taste is simultaneously familiar and delightfully indulgent.
This recipe is perfect for lazy weeknights when you want a hands-off meal that still tastes like you spent hours fussing over it. It’s also brilliant for potlucks and family gatherings: the crockpot does the heavy lifting while you socialize. If you’re feeding hungry teens or want a crowd-pleasing dish for a chilly weekend, this one delivers. For a similar stovetop twist, check out this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe to compare timing and flavor.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–6 hours (high 3–4 hours, low 4–6 hours)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes (depending on crockpot setting)
- Servings: 6 (estimate)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — beginner-friendly; ideal for busy cooks
Nutrition Highlights
The following nutrition estimates are per serving (recipe yields ~6 servings). Values are approximate and were calculated using USDA FoodData Central values for core ingredients and typical manufacturer nutrition for prepared sauces. Actual values will vary by brand, portion size, and whether you use lower-fat substitutions.
Estimated nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~720–760 kcal
- Protein: ~50–55 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45–55 g
- Fat: ~30–35 g
- Fiber: ~2–4 g
- Sodium: ~800–1,000 mg (can be high due to sauce and Parmesan)
Note: These are approximations intended to guide portioning and dietary planning. For authoritative nutrient data, consult USDA FoodData Central and manufacturer nutrition labels; for general dietary guidance, resources like the Mayo Clinic and CDC provide reliable recommendations on portion sizes and sodium intake.
Perfect For…
- Busy weeknights when you want a comforting, set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
- Family dinners and potlucks — this recipe scales well and holds warm in the crockpot.
- Cooler months and cozy evenings when you crave rich, garlicky comfort.
- Anyone who appreciates big, creamy flavors but needs hands-off prep.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb / 680–900 g)
- 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (use entire bottle)
- 1 cup milk (2% or milk of choice)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 100 g)
- 8 oz cream cheese bar (one standard bar, 226 g)
- 1 box rotini pasta (12 oz / 340 g recommended)
Optional ingredients and substitutions:
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken (approx. 3 cups) instead of cooking raw breasts to shorten cook time.
- Swap Buffalo Wild Wings sauce for another Parmesan-garlic sauce or a homemade mix of Alfredo + garlic + Parmesan; adjust salt.
- For lower fat: use light cream cheese and skim milk, reduce Parmesan to ½ cup.
- Add vegetables (sliced mushrooms, baby spinach added at the end, or roasted red peppers) for color and nutrition.
- For gluten-free: substitute gluten-free rotini.
Step-by-step Directions
- Place 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Season them on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Pour an entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken.
- Pour a cup of milk into the empty sauce bottle. Replace the lid and shake well to loosen the remaining sauce inside the bottle. Pour the milk and sauce on top of the chicken.
- Add a cup of Parmesan cheese into the crockpot and stir everything together. Spoon some sauce on top of the chicken breasts to coat them.
- Place the bar of cream cheese on top of the chicken and put the lid on your crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- At the end of the cooking time, remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken. Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions using the al dente cook time.
- Drain the pasta, then add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Stir.
- Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Practical tips:
- Check doneness: chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature before shredding.
- Avoid overcooking pasta: cook to al dente and add immediately so it doesn’t become mushy in the crockpot.
- If sauce is too thin after shredding, stir in an extra ½ cup Parmesan or simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
- For quick prep, short-cut with pre-cooked chicken; add only to heat through in final 30 minutes. For recipe inspiration that swaps cooking methods, this one-pan garlic Parmesan chicken pasta shows an alternative technique.
Best Pairings
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls for sopping up sauce.
- Roasted or steamed broccoli for color and fiber.
- A light-bodied white wine (Pinot Grigio) or a crisp sparkling water with lemon.
- For a cozy breakfast-after-dinner vibe, leftovers pair surprisingly well with a side of scrambled eggs.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F / 32°C) — standard food safety guidance.
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note: texture of pasta can change after freezing; consider freezing shredded chicken and sauce separately from pasta for better results.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Cheese choices matter: freshly shredded Parmesan melts and flavors differently than pre-grated varieties (which may contain anti-caking agents). Freshly shredded will give creamier mouthfeel.
- Sauce control: manufacturer sauces vary in salt and thickness. Taste and adjust — you can dilute with additional milk or low-sodium chicken broth if needed.
- Texture key: always add cooked pasta at the end and stir briefly to avoid over-softening.
- Temperature cues: when shredding, the chicken should be fork-tender and flake easily; if it resists, give it more time.
- Batch-cooking tip: if making for a crowd, keep extra cooked pasta separately and add as needed to maintain texture during service.
Creative Twists
- Spicy Buffalo-Parmesan: Mix ½ cup hot sauce or Buffalo wing sauce into the crockpot for a peppery kick; finish with blue cheese crumbles for a buffalo-style twist.
- Veggie Boost (lighter): Add sliced mushrooms and a bag of fresh spinach during the last 20 minutes of cooking; swap half the cream cheese for plain Greek yogurt (stir in at end, off heat).
- Vegan-inspired: Use firm tofu or jackfruit instead of chicken, vegan cream cheese, vegan Parmesan, and a plant-based milk. Use gluten-free rotini if desired.
- Herb-forward: Stir in fresh basil and lemon zest after shredding for a brighter finish.
All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes — add about 1 hour to the cooking time on high or 2 hours on low, but ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
Q: My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?
A: Stir in more Parmesan or simmer uncovered on high for 15–20 minutes to reduce, or mix a small slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and stir in, then cook 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — prepare through shredding and refrigerate the sauce and chicken (without pasta) up to 3 days. Reheat and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q: What about a lower-sodium version?
A: Use a low-sodium Parmesan (or reduce the amount), pick a lower-sodium sauce or make a homemade Parmesan-garlic sauce with low-sodium broth, and wash cooked pasta briefly to reduce surface starch.
Q: How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy if I’m serving over time?
A: Cook pasta al dente and add it to portions just before serving, or keep pasta and sauce/chicken separate and combine as needed.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an unrivaled recipe for busy cooks who refuse to compromise on comfort and flavor — minimal hands-on time, maximum creamy, garlicky satisfaction. Give it a try this week, then share photos and tips with friends or your favorite cooking community. For a deep-dive version of the viral approach and a step-by-step write-up, see this helpful guide to the original viral recipe at Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe), and for an adaptation inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings flavors with useful notes, visit Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Buffalo Wild Wings).
Happy slow-cooking — and don’t forget to tag your photos if you post them!
Print
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 190 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A viral TikTok recipe featuring tender shredded chicken in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce served with rotini pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb / 680–900 g)
- 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (use entire bottle)
- 1 cup milk (2% or milk of choice)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 100 g)
- 8 oz cream cheese bar (one standard bar, 226 g)
- 1 box rotini pasta (12 oz / 340 g recommended)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken.
- Add a cup of milk to the sauce bottle, shake, and pour over the chicken.
- Stir in a cup of Parmesan cheese and coat the chicken.
- Top with the cream cheese bar and cover the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Shred the chicken after cooking and return it to the crockpot.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions for al dente.
- Drain pasta and stir into the crockpot.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes as desired.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rotini. Adjust sodium levels with lower-sodium sauce or Parmesan cheese. Store leftovers properly to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 53g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
