Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the slow-simmered comfort of garlic and Parmesan building a glossy, savory blanket over tender shredded chicken and al dente pasta. Imagine opening the crockpot after hours of low heat: a warm cloud of roasted garlic and buttery cheese rises, steam fogging the kitchen window. The first bite gives you a silky, slightly tangy sauce clinging to corkscrew rotini, a satisfying chew from pasta and the comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture of slow-cooked chicken. It’s familiar and indulgent, the kind of dish that makes you want to linger at the table with family or a friend.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hands-off dinner that still feels special, for potlucks where you want an easy crowd-pleaser, or for cool evenings when craveable comfort food hits hardest. If you like variations, check out this creamy crockpot garlic Parmesan twist for inspiration: an alternate creamy version.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)
• Total Time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes (active time ~10–15 minutes)
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and busy cooks

Nutrition Highlights
The nutrition info below is an estimate based on typical ingredient sizes and values from USDA FoodData Central and typical product nutrition labels. Exact numbers will vary depending on the size of chicken breasts and the specific brand of sauce or cream cheese you use. Use this as a guideline and check product labels for precise figures.

Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe yields ~6 servings):

• Calories: ~965 kcal
• Protein: ~52 g
• Carbohydrates: ~53 g
• Fat: ~43 g
• Sodium: Likely high — varies widely with sauce and cheese (check product labels)

Notes on accuracy: estimates were compiled using government nutrient databases (USDA FoodData Central) and typical manufacturer nutrition panels. For medically tailored guidance (low-sodium, lower-calorie), consult resources like the CDC or your health provider.

Perfect For…
This dish excels when you want a low-effort, high-comfort meal. Highlights:

• Crowd-pleasing flavor: creamy, garlicky, and comforting — ideal for families and potlucks.
• Hands-off cooking: set it and forget it; great for busy schedules or hosting when you’d rather spend time with guests than fuss in the kitchen.
• Texture contrasts: tender shredded chicken plus al dente rotini create a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Seasonal comfort: especially welcome in cooler months, but rich enough for celebratory dinners any time of year.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients:

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
• 1 bottle Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (use whole bottle)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 g)
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (one standard bar)
• 1 box rotini pasta (about 12 oz / 340 g dry)

Optional ingredients and substitutions:

• Swap rotini for penne, rigatoni, or shells.
• Use Greek yogurt (thinned) or reduced-fat cream cheese to lower fat slightly.
• For dairy-free: use a dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free Parmesan alternative, and unsweetened oat milk — results will differ in texture.
• Add vegetables: cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach stirred in at the end.
• Spice it: red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.

Method (numbered steps):

1. Place 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Pour an entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken.
3. Pour 1 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 mixture over the chicken.
4. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the crockpot and stir gently to combine some of the sauce with the cheese. Spoon some sauce on top of the chicken breasts to coat them.
5. Place the 8 oz bar of cream cheese on top of the chicken. Put the lid on your crockpot.
6. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Check at the shorter end of the range to avoid overcooking.
7. At the end of the cooking time, remove the chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to incorporate; the cream cheese should melt into a creamy sauce.
8. While the chicken finishes (or shortly before serving), cook the rotini pasta according to package directions, using the al dente time on the package. Drain the pasta.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is coated and the mixture is evenly combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it.
10. Serve hot, topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Practical tips:

• Avoid overcooking pasta in the crockpot — cook it separately to al dente and add at the end for best texture.
• Check chicken at the early end of the cooking window; chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
• If the sauce separates or looks greasy, a gentle stir and a few extra minutes on low will bring it back together.
• Taste before adding salt — the sauce and cheeses can be salty.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve straight from the crockpot in bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
• Lighten with a sharp squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Add a side salad (crisp romaine with a lemon vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
• For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
• For individual portions, spoon onto warm plates and finish with freshly cracked black pepper and chili flakes.

Shelf Life & Storage
Follow USDA and CDC food safety guidelines when storing leftovers.

• Room temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F / 32°C).
• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
• Freezer: Keeps well for up to 2–3 months in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.

Insider Secrets

• Use full-fat cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture and best mouthfeel. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• If you prefer more sauce: add 1/2 cup extra milk or a little pasta water when you stir the pasta in.
• For a balanced flavor, brown a few cloves of garlic in a skillet and add them to the crockpot if you’d like more fresh garlic aroma — the bottled sauce is flavorful but fresh garlic brightens the dish.
• Taste and adjust sodium at the end — Parmesan and bottled sauces can be salty. Freshly cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon can elevate without added salt.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Buffalo Twist: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite wing sauce or a diced jalapeño to the crockpot for heat. Finish with blue cheese crumbles for a buffalo-inspired bowl.
• Veggie-Loaded: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or thawed peas in the last 10 minutes to add color, texture, and nutrition.
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, skim or 1% milk, and reduced-fat Parmesan. Replace half the pasta with spiralized zucchini (add fresh zucchini just before serving to avoid overcooking).
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta (cook separately per package instructions). Ensure the bottled sauce is gluten-free by checking the label.

All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes — boneless skinless thighs work and stay extra moist, though they have slightly higher fat content. Adjust cook time if pieces are very large.

Q: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: Too thin — remove lid and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce, or stir in a bit more grated Parmesan. Too thick — stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — prepare through step 7, cool, refrigerate, and add pasta just before reheating and serving to maintain pasta texture.

Q: How can I reduce sodium?
A: Use low-sodium Parmesan (or reduce the amount), choose a low-sodium bottled sauce if available, and avoid adding extra salt.

Q: Any tips for keeping pasta from getting mushy if I want leftovers?
A: Undercook the pasta slightly (by 1–2 minutes) so it remains firmer after reheating. Store sauce and pasta separately if possible.

Conclusion

Give this viral Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a try — it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to assemble and full of flavor. For another take on the same idea with slight ingredient tweaks and presentation tips, see this helpful guide on Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe). If you’re curious about the Buffalo Wild Wings–style version or want step-by-step photos and notes on using their sauce, this resource walks through that approach: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Buffalo Wild Wings).

If you make it, I’d love to hear how you customized it — share photos or notes in the comments and join the conversation with other home cooks who love cozy, hands-off dinners.