Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Crock Pot: Set-It-and-Forget-It Creamy Indulgence

This crock pot pasta delivers the creamy indulgence of Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous garlic parmesan flavor in a hands-off, home-cooked meal. The slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

Tender chicken simmers in a rich, garlicky sauce that infuses every bite with bold flavor. The parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

With minimal prep and 5 minutes of active cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready when you are. No babysitting required—just set it and forget it.

Serve with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a finishing touch. This is comfort food at its easiest and most satisfying.

Ingredients for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Crock Pot

Everything you need for that signature creamy, garlicky pasta in one pot.

The chicken is the foundation here. Boneless, skinless breasts stay tender in the slow cooker—thighs work too but have a different texture. I grab mine from Costco for bulk savings, but any grocery store will do. The Parmesan needs to be freshly grated (none of that pre-shredded stuff, which has anti-caking agents that mess with the melt). Heavy cream is non-negotiable for that velvety finish—don’t sub milk.

Out of heavy cream? Half-and-half plus a touch of butter gets you close. No Parmesan wedge? Pecorino Romano has a sharper bite but works. Fresh out of garlic? Garlic powder at half the clove amount in a pinch. Penne not your thing? Any short pasta (rigatoni, farfalle) holds the sauce well. The broth can be vegetable if you’re avoiding chicken entirely.

Leftover sauce thickens as it cools—stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Stores 3-4 days in the fridge, but the pasta soaks up sauce over time. Freezes beautifully for 2 months (just thaw and reheat gently with extra cream).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This hands-off method delivers a rich, creamy pasta with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Cut the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to shred later. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker, distributing them in a single layer for optimal heat circulation.

Sprinkle the chicken with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. These seasonings will infuse into the chicken as it cooks, building a flavorful base for the dish.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Aromatics

Pour 1 cup chicken broth and 1.5 cups heavy cream over the seasoned chicken. The broth adds depth and prevents the cream from curdling, while the heavy cream creates that signature creamy texture we’re after.

Add the 6 cloves garlic cloves (minced) to the slow cooker. The garlic will mellow and sweeten as it cooks, infusing the sauce with a rich, aromatic flavor. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This step ensures every bite of pasta is coated with the flavorful chicken and sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Pasta

In a small bowl, melt the 0.5 cup unsalted butter, then whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and look velvety.

Add the 8 oz penne pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to ensure it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Cook on high heat for an additional 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Garnish

Stir in 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated) until fully melted and incorporated. The cheese will make the sauce luxuriously creamy and add a salty, nutty depth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Just before serving, sprinkle with 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped) for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot, as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits. Each bite should be rich, creamy, and packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Wine and Beer Pairings for This buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe crock pot

White Wine Pairings

A crisp Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of this dish beautifully. Its bright acidity refreshes your palate between bites. I love Santa Margherita from Italy—it’s widely available and consistently good. 🍷

Red Wine Options

For red lovers, a light Pinot Noir works surprisingly well. The earthy notes complement the garlic without overwhelming the parmesan. Try Meiomi from California—it’s smooth and approachable.

Craft Beer Choices

A wheat beer like Blue Moon pairs nicely, with its citrus notes balancing the creamy sauce. Serve with an orange slice for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, a pilsner offers crisp cleanliness. 🍺

Light Beer Pairings

For something simpler, a cold lager like Bud Light or Coors Banquet works perfectly. The light body won’t compete with the dish’s bold flavors. Keep it well-chilled for best results.

Non-Alcoholic Options

A sparkling lemonade or ginger beer adds a refreshing contrast. The effervescence cleanses your palate, while the sweetness balances the garlic. I love Fever-Tree ginger beer for its bold flavor.

Cocktail Pairing

A garlic butter martini sounds wild, but hear me out—it’s a fun, over-the-top match for this indulgent dish. Or stick with a classic vodka soda with lemon for a simpler approach. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions