If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and flavorful meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe is about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious blend of garlic, parmesan, and creamy Alfredo sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with crispy bacon bits. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy prep and irresistible taste, making it an ideal dinner for family nights or casual gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it will be impossible not to come back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a special role, from the creamy Alfredo sauce creating that velvety base to the crispy bacon adding a delightful crunch. These essentials combine to bring your pasta dish to life with every bite.
- 1½-lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning: Infuses aromatic herbs and robust garlic throughout the chicken.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and rich color.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Delivers a mellow, savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Freshly minced for bold garlic flavor that wakes up the palate.
- ½ cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A creamy, tangy component with a perfect hint of garlic and cheese.
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: The silky, cheesy base that makes this spaghetti irresistibly creamy.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The tender pasta strands that soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Finishes the dish with sharp, nutty notes and luscious creaminess.
- 6 slices cooked chopped bacon: Crispy bacon bits for an addictive texture and smoky flavor boost.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Season generously with garlic and herb seasoning, paprika, and onion powder. These seasonings will envelope the chicken with layers of flavor as it cooks low and slow. Add minced garlic, the creamy Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, and a jar of Alfredo sauce over the top. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become perfectly tender.
Step 2: Shred and Season the Chicken
When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts carefully from the slow cooker. Shred the meat using two forks until it’s pull-apart tender. Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the saucy mixture. This step gives the dish that indulgently creamy texture with chicken woven throughout. Now is the perfect time to season everything with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While the chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help you adjust the sauce’s consistency later, making it silky and clingy to every strand of pasta.
Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dish
Drain your spaghetti and add it directly into the slow cooker. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon, letting the cheese melt slightly and the bacon sit on top, ready to infuse the entire dish with savory goodness. If you find the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Give everything one final mix to coat perfectly, then garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan if you like for that pretty pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines with simple, fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil for a vibrant green contrast and a subtle herbal note. A little extra grated parmesan over the top adds gorgeous, nutty richness. If you love a hint of heat, a dusting of crushed red pepper or freshly cracked black pepper brings just the right kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe with crisp, refreshing sides to balance its richness. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli tossed with lemon and olive oil brightens the meal beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty rolls make a perfect accompaniment to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate this homey dish for guests? Serve your spaghetti in warmed individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of bacon and fresh herbs for an inviting touch. You can also dish it up over roasted vegetables or even creamy mashed potatoes for a unique twist. For a party, consider turning the pasta mixture into stuffed bell peppers or baked spaghetti casseroles for a fun, hearty presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as tasty, if not better. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the creamy sauce fresh and smooth.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftover chicken spaghetti in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly and stays creamy. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and spaghetti from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the slow cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours to ensure the chicken cooks through properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the sauces in the slow cooker to give your Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe a pleasant spicy kick.
What can I substitute for Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
If you don’t have access to that specific sauce, try using a garlic butter sauce or making a quick blend of melted butter, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese to mimic the flavor profile.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker brings convenience and tenderizes the chicken slowly, you can make a stovetop version by simmering the ingredients in a covered pot on low heat for about 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally and adding liquid as necessary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe includes spaghetti which contains gluten, but you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe is everything you want in a comforting dinner—creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to prepare. It’s the perfect way to cozy up your mealtime without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan and Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce, and Alfredo sauce, then combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti, parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon for a rich, satisfying meal that serves eight.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 6 slices cooked chopped bacon
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle garlic and herb seasoning, paprika, and onion powder evenly over the chicken. Add minced garlic, the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, and Alfredo sauce on top. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine well with the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about half a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti noodles into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and the chopped cooked bacon until evenly distributed. If the sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker or plate and enjoy a rich, creamy chicken spaghetti.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce is unavailable, substitute with your favorite garlic parmesan wing sauce or a mixture of garlic butter and grated parmesan.
- To make it lighter, use reduced-fat Alfredo sauce and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure to cook the spaghetti al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
