Wow, get ready to experience the most incredible flavor explosion that will have your entire family cheering for more! We’re taking that legendary Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce and transforming it into the most epic, creamy, comforting pasta dish you’ve ever tasted, all made effortlessly in your crockpot! Welcome to flavor town, where dinner practically cooks itself while you focus on what really matters – enjoying every delicious moment with your favorite people.
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe captures the exact magic of Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous Parmesan Garlic sauce but transforms it into a complete, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd with minimal effort – just dump, set, and forget until dinner time arrives!
- The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy while absorbing all those amazing garlic, Parmesan, and buttery flavors, creating a depth of taste that you simply can’t achieve with quick cooking methods.
- Using your crockpot means you can prep everything in the morning and come home to a house filled with the most incredible aromas and a dinner that’s ready to devour – perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting game day parties!
- The combination of creamy sauces, al dente pasta, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a texture and flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will request again and again.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the garlic intensity, add different vegetables, or even swap the protein while maintaining that signature Buffalo Wild Wings flavor that we all know and love!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for heat
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Garlic press or mincer
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
- Large serving spoon or pasta server
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Get ready to create some kitchen magic! Start by taking your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cutting them into perfect 1-inch cubes – this size ensures they cook evenly and absorb all that incredible flavor while staying wonderfully tender. While you’re at it, mince those 8 cloves of garlic until they’re super fine – this releases maximum garlicky goodness that will permeate every single bite of your amazing pasta creation. Measure out all your other ingredients too: that 1 pound of penne pasta standing by, 4 cups of chicken broth ready to work its magic, 2 cups of heavy cream waiting to create that luxurious sauce, and don’t forget that glorious 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese that’s going to make everything taste absolutely incredible! Pro tip: if you want to save even more time in the morning, you can prep all your ingredients the night before and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator – then just dump everything in the crockpot when you’re ready to start cooking!
Layer and Season for Maximum Flavor
Now comes the fun part – building those incredible layers of flavor! First, take your beautifully cubed chicken and spread it evenly across the bottom of your crockpot – this ensures every piece gets direct heat and cooks to perfection. Next, sprinkle over that amazing seasoning blend: 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for those herbaceous notes, 2 teaspoons of onion powder for depth, 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper for that perfect seasoning balance, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that will have your taste buds dancing! Now pour in your 4 cups of chicken broth – using low sodium lets you control the salt level perfectly. Then carefully add your 1 pound of uncooked penne pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid so every piece cooks evenly and absorbs all that incredible flavor!
Create That Signature Sauce
This is where the magic really happens – we’re creating that legendary Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce right in your crockpot! In a separate bowl, combine your 2 cups of heavy cream with that 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter – the butter adds incredible richness while allowing you to control the salt perfectly. Now stir in your finely minced garlic – all 8 glorious cloves of it – because we’re not messing around when it comes to garlic flavor! Gradually whisk in your 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until you have the most beautiful, creamy, aromatic sauce that will make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly. Pro tip: for the absolute best flavor and texture, always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-shredded stuff – it melts more smoothly and doesn’t contain any anti-caking agents that can affect your sauce consistency!
The Slow Cook Transformation
Time to work that crockpot magic! Carefully pour your incredible Parmesan garlic sauce mixture over the chicken and pasta in the slow cooker, making sure to distribute it evenly so every single ingredient gets coated in that glorious, creamy goodness. Give everything one gentle stir to combine – but don’t overmix because we want those beautiful layers to work their magic! Now cover with the lid and set your crockpot to cook on LOW for 4-5 hours – this slower cooking method allows the chicken to become fork-tender while the pasta absorbs all the flavors perfectly without getting mushy. Resist the temptation to peek too often because every time you lift that lid, you’re letting out precious heat and steam that’s working hard to create your amazing dinner!
Final Touches and Serving Perfection
The moment of truth has arrived – open that lid and prepare to be amazed by the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen! Give everything a good, thorough stir – you’ll notice the sauce has thickened beautifully and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection while the chicken is so tender it practically falls apart. Now is the time to do your final taste test and adjust seasoning if needed – maybe an extra pinch of salt or another sprinkle of black pepper to make it absolutely perfect for your taste buds. Pro tip: if your sauce seems a bit too thin, you can let it cook uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to help it thicken up to that perfect, creamy consistency we’re aiming for! Garnish with that 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley for a beautiful color contrast and fresh flavor pop, then serve immediately while it’s piping hot with extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling!
Tips and Tricks
Ready to take your Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta to the next level? Here are some incredible tips that will make you feel like a professional chef! First, let’s talk chicken – while chicken breasts work wonderfully, you can absolutely use chicken thighs for an even richer, more flavorful result. Thighs have more fat content which means they stay incredibly moist and tender through the long cooking process, and they absorb those garlic and Parmesan flavors like absolute champions. If you do use thighs, you might want to reduce the cooking time by about 30-45 minutes since they cook slightly faster than breasts. Now about that pasta – while penne is traditional and works beautifully, you can experiment with different shapes! Cavatappi holds sauce in its corkscrew shape magnificently, while rigatoni’s large tubes capture chunks of chicken and sauce in every single bite. If you’re watching your carbs, you can even use whole wheat pasta or protein-enriched pasta – just be aware that these might require a tiny bit more liquid since they tend to absorb more moisture. Speaking of liquid, if you find your sauce is too thick after cooking, simply stir in a quarter cup of additional warm chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. For those who love extra vegetables, you can absolutely add them! Diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even spinach can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking – just be careful not to add them too early or they’ll become mushy. If you’re preparing this for a party or gathering, you can keep it warm on the LOW setting for up to an additional hour, but be aware the pasta will continue to soften slightly. For meal prep enthusiasts, this dish stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it reheats wonderfully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Finally, if you want to make this even more authentic to the Buffalo Wild Wings experience, serve it with celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side – the cool crunch provides the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy pasta!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Twist: For those who love heat, transform this into a buffalo garlic masterpiece by adding 1/2 cup of Frank’s RedHot sauce to the cream mixture and reducing the heavy cream to 1 1/2 cups. The combination of spicy buffalo with creamy garlic Parmesan creates an incredible flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds! You can also add extra red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño for additional heat levels. Serve with blue cheese crumbles instead of extra Parmesan for that authentic buffalo wing experience that will make you feel like you’re at the restaurant!
- Vegetable Power Pack: Boost the nutrition and color by adding 2 cups of chopped vegetables during the last hour of cooking. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes work particularly well, adding beautiful colors, different textures, and extra vitamins to your meal. The vegetables will steam perfectly in the crockpot while maintaining just the right amount of crunch, making this a complete one-pot wonder that parents will love serving to their families!
- Creamy Mushroom Delight: Take this to umami heaven by sautéing 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until golden brown, then adding them to the crockpot with the other ingredients. The mushrooms add an incredible earthy depth that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests!
- Alfredo Fusion: Create the ultimate creamy pasta by increasing the heavy cream to 3 cups and adding 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan. This creates an incredibly rich, cheesy sauce that’s reminiscent of classic fettuccine Alfredo but with that signature Buffalo Wild Wings garlic flavor that makes it truly special and unforgettable!
- Protein Swap Adventure: Not a chicken fan? No problem! You can easily substitute 2 pounds of cubed pork tenderloin, which becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker, or use 1 1/2 pounds of Italian sausage (casings removed) for a spicier, more robust flavor. For a vegetarian version, use 2 cans of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas instead of chicken – they absorb the flavors wonderfully and provide great protein!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe on HIGH heat instead of LOW?
Absolutely you can cook this on HIGH, but you’ll need to adjust both the timing and technique for the best results! Cooking on HIGH will reduce your total cooking time to about 2-3 hours, but you’ll want to check it starting at the 2-hour mark to prevent overcooking. The key difference is that the chicken may not become quite as fall-apart tender as with slow cooking, and the pasta might have a slightly different texture since it cooks faster. I recommend stirring every 45 minutes if cooking on HIGH to ensure even cooking and to prevent any sticking on the bottom. The flavor will still be fantastic, but if you have the time, LOW heat really does create that magical, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this recipe so special!
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers of this incredible pasta are almost better than the first serving because the flavors continue to develop and meld together beautifully! Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days – any longer and the pasta may become too soft. When reheating, the microwave works perfectly – just place your desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, again adding a splash of liquid to bring the sauce back to its creamy glory while stirring frequently to prevent sticking!
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
You can absolutely use frozen chicken, but there are some important safety and cooking adjustments you need to make! If using frozen chicken breasts, increase your cooking time by about 1-1.5 hours on LOW to ensure the chicken cooks through completely and safely. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. I do recommend thawing the chicken first if possible, as this ensures more even cooking and better flavor absorption, but in a pinch, frozen works fine! Just be sure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid and break apart any large frozen chunks before cooking to promote even heating throughout the crockpot!
Why did my pasta turn out mushy?
Mushy pasta typically happens when the cooking time is too long or there’s too much liquid in the crockpot! Different slow cookers can vary in temperature, so yours might run hotter than average. To prevent mushiness, start checking your pasta at the 3.5-hour mark on LOW – you want it to be al dente with just a slight bite since it will continue to soften slightly from residual heat even after you turn off the crockpot. Also, make sure you’re using the exact amount of chicken broth called for – too much liquid means the pasta absorbs more than it should. If you notice it’s getting too soft toward the end, you can carefully drain off some excess liquid before serving!
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can absolutely create a delicious dairy-free version that still captures that amazing Buffalo Wild Wings flavor profile! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for richness, use vegan butter instead of regular butter, and replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still absolutely delicious – the garlic and seasonings really shine through! You might need to adjust the salt since Parmesan is naturally salty, so taste and season accordingly. The cooking method and timing remain exactly the same, so you can enjoy this incredible pasta regardless of dietary preferences!
Summary
This Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta brings restaurant magic to your crockpot with minimal effort and maximum flavor! Tender chicken, perfect pasta, and that signature creamy garlic sauce create the ultimate comfort food that feeds a crowd and makes every meal feel like a celebration. Perfect for busy families, game day parties, or anytime you crave something truly spectacular!
