Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

When the leaves start turning and that crisp bite fills the air, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of something warm and hearty bubbling away in the crockpot. I remember the first time I made this garlic parmesan chicken pasta—it was a blustery October afternoon, and I had just gotten back from the pumpkin patch with the kids, boots muddy and cheeks pink from the wind. I tossed everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while we sipped on cider and watched old movies. By the time dinner rolled around, the whole house smelled like comfort.

This is one of those fall crockpot meals that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s creamy, savory, and downright satisfying—the kind of meal that wraps around you like a knit blanket and warms every part of your day. Whether you’re hosting a family night or just need something simple after a long day, this recipe has your back.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the definition of weeknight ease. With minimal prep and a big burst of flavor, it’s one of those fall crockpot meals that works just as well for busy evenings as it does for lazy Sundays. The chicken cooks up fork-tender, and the creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta.

You don’t need fancy skills here—just a slow cooker, a handful of cozy ingredients, and about 15 minutes of your time. It’s a great one to add to your seasonal rotation, especially during cooler months.

If your household loves rich, cheesy dinners, this one is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s easily adjustable for picky eaters or dietary needs. Best of all, it reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.

So if you’re ready to cozy up with a bowl full of savory goodness, this is one of those fall crockpot meals that delivers big flavor with very little effort.

Print

Ingredient Overview

This creamy dish brings bold, comforting flavors together in one pot—perfect for chilly nights and hungry bellies. Think rich garlic, gooey cheese, and fall crockpot magic all stirred together.

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and soak up all that garlicky goodness during slow cooking.

• Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The secret sauce that gives this dish its signature tangy-creamy depth. It’s what makes this one of those viral-worthy fall crockpot meals.

• Cream Cheese: Adds velvety texture and richness that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Milk: Helps smooth out the sauce—whole or 2% keeps it creamy without being too heavy.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, it adds the final touch of bold flavor.

• Rotini or Penne Pasta: Short pasta works best here, catching every drop of sauce.

• Salt & Pepper: Keep it classic—these balance out the creamy base.

• Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add color and a little kick.

Food styling tip: Top with extra shaved parmesan and fresh herbs before serving for a cozy, rustic look.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Place the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Nestle them gently into the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the flavorful foundation of your fall crockpot meals, and we want every bite to shine.

Step 2: Add the Signature Sauce

Pour the entire bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce right over the chicken. Then, fill the empty bottle with milk, shake to get every drop, and pour it into the crockpot too. This simple mix is what makes these fall crockpot meals so creamy and irresistible.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Stir

Toss in cubed cream cheese and a generous handful of shredded parmesan. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the chicken well. Don’t worry if the cream cheese isn’t fully melted yet—it’ll blend beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. It should shred easily with a fork. Tip: Resist the urge to peek too often! Keeping that lid closed locks in all the rich, savory steam that defines great fall crockpot meals.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it (or chop it, if you prefer), then return it to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine with the now-melted, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the chicken simmers back in the sauce, boil your pasta until al dente—rotini or penne work best. Drain and gently fold the pasta into the crockpot. The sauce should coat every spiral and curve with that creamy, garlicky goodness.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Give everything a good mix and taste for seasoning. You can top it with a sprinkle of parmesan, a dash of red pepper flakes, or even a handful of chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy comfort only fall crockpot meals can bring.

Pro Tips

If you’re using chicken breasts for your fall crockpot meals, be sure to trim any fat before cooking. This helps the sauce stay smooth and prevents any greasy texture later on.

Always cube your cream cheese before adding it to the slow cooker. It melts more evenly that way and blends into the sauce like a dream—making your fall crockpot meals extra luscious.

Don’t skip the step of shaking milk in the empty sauce bottle. It gets every last bit of flavor out and ensures a rich, well-balanced base for the dish.

If your sauce thickens too much after adding pasta, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up. This trick works wonders for leftover fall crockpot meals too!

Want to add greens? Toss in a few handfuls of spinach about 10 minutes before serving. It’ll wilt into the sauce and add color, texture, and nutrients to your comforting fall crockpot meals.

For even more inspiration with hearty slow cooker dishes, check out this cozy roundup of chicken breast crockpot recipes, perfect for meal prepping or weeknight dinners.

Variations

Looking to switch things up while keeping those fall crockpot meals flavorful? You’ve got options!

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower. Let them cook until tender and they’ll soak up all that savory, creamy goodness.

Trying to cut carbs? Ditch the pasta and serve this over roasted spaghetti squash or riced cauliflower. It turns your fall crockpot meals into a lower-carb delight without sacrificing flavor.

Gluten-free? Easy—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta or spoon the creamy chicken over mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice.

Want a smoky twist? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or swap the parmesan garlic sauce for a chipotle garlic version if you’re feeling adventurous.

For another bold slow-cooked flavor bomb, try our reader-favorite Crockpot Recipes Bourbon Chicken—it’s sticky, sweet, and perfect for fall evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There’s something about fall crockpot meals that makes them shine during family dinners, cozy weekends, or even tailgate Sundays. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or a rustic side of roasted Brussels sprouts. For a true comfort spread, serve with warm garlic bread or a loaf of crusty sourdough to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce. A sparkling apple cider or a glass of Chardonnay complements the richness perfectly. You can even add a small dessert like spiced pumpkin cookies to complete the evening. This dish also fits beautifully on your table alongside other fall dinner recipes when you’re hosting guests or meal prepping for the week.

Conclusion

This dish is more than just another pasta dinner—it’s a celebration of slowing down and savoring the moment. With just a few ingredients and a little crockpot magic, fall crockpot meals like this one bring a whole lot of flavor with very little effort. They’re made for sharing, for comforting tired hearts, and for making memories around the table. Whether you’re dishing this up for a busy weeknight or a Sunday family gathering, it’s bound to become one of your go-to seasonal favorites.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or already obsessed, I’d love to hear how your dish turns out! Drop your thoughts in the comments and share your version with us on social media—we’re always cheering for your kitchen wins. For more ideas like this, be sure to explore our Dinner collection where flavor and simplicity meet.

Come say hi and tag us on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok—we love seeing your creations!

Cozy dinners start here — let’s keep cooking with heart.