Are you craving that irresistible Buffalo Wild Wings flavor but don't want to leave the house? This recipe brings the deliciousness of their famous Garlic Parmesan sauce right to your slow cooker, transforming simple chicken and pasta into a quick and easy weeknight meal. Get ready for a creamy, cheesy, and intensely flavorful dish that the whole family will adore! This healthy meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a delicious alternative to takeout.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) package pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Sauce it Up: In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, minced garlic, butter, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour this delicious mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred and Mix: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
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Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. You might need to add about 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water to help the pasta cook properly. Continue cooking on low for another 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy this delicious and easy homemade meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't Overcrowd the Crock-Pot: Ensure there's enough space in your slow cooker for the ingredients to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger slow cooker.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Add Vegetables: For a heartier meal, add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the chicken.
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago for a unique flavor profile.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some extra heat.
- Creamy Spinach: Stir in a cup of fresh or frozen spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Chicken and Sausage: Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a more robust flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a delicious combination that will leave you wanting more. Give it a try and let us know what you think!