Name: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 370 min
Ingredients: 3 breasts chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium); 2 cups heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini); 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like Crockpot Chicken Alfredo. On a chilly winter evening, nothing beats the warmth of a slow-cooked meal filling your home with delicious aromas. I remember the first time I made this recipe; it was a spontaneous decision to turn a hectic weekday into something cozy and satisfying. As the hours went by, I could hardly contain my excitement, knowing that soon I would be enjoying perfectly tender chicken and creamy pasta without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of a slow cooker makes this dish not only a go-to for busy nights but also a favorite for gatherings where everyone gathers around the table, eager for a hearty helping.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
6 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
360 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
650 kcal

Protein:
38 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
38 g

Tools Used:
6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

It’s a Creamy Dream

The creamy texture of this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is simply irresistible. Each bite is smooth, rich, and satisfying, making it perfect for those who appreciate a comforting meal.

Effortless Preparation

With just a few simple steps, you can set this dish up and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to spend time with family or catch up on your favorite show.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

The secret to delicious pasta in this recipe is adding it just at the right time. This ensures that it soaks up all the flavorful broth and becomes perfectly al dente.

Customizable Ingredients

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your family’s tastes. Want to add some veggies? Go for it!

Leftovers That Last

One of the best things about this dish is the leftovers. They taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and intensify.

Family-Friendly

This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to culinary adventurers. It’s a surefire way to please a crowd!

Everything You Need for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Creating the perfect Crockpot Chicken Alfredo starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that creamy, delicious sauce. The combination of the tender chicken with the rich cream and flavorful seasonings creates a dish that’s not just comforting but also memorable.

3 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless) – The star of the show! Chicken breasts cook beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming tender and juicy.
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium) – Adds moisture and flavor to the dish, ensuring the chicken remains succulent.
2 cups heavy cream – This is what gives the Alfredo sauce its luxurious creaminess.
4 cloves garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend that adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini) – The perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce, soaking up all the deliciousness.
1½ cups Parmesan cheese (grated) – Provides that signature cheesy flavor that pairs so well with the cream.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) – For a pop of color and freshness in the finished dish.

Step by Step Guide for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Making Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is straightforward, and I can assure you, the results are worth every minute. Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy this comforting dish!

Lay your chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You want to coat the chicken well for maximum flavor. Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken; this will allow the flavors to penetrate as it cooks.
Now, gently pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the top. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully submerged; it will cook through just fine. The liquid will help create that creamy sauce we all love.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about five hours or on high for two and a half hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
After five hours on low or two and a half hours on high, it’s time to add the uncooked pasta. Stir it in and make sure it’s submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
Continue to cook on low for another hour or on high for about thirty minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta; you want it to be cooked to your desired tenderness.
Once the pasta is done, gently remove the chicken from the crockpot. Shred it with two forks and then return it to the pot. This will allow the chicken to mix well with the sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and beautifully incorporated into the sauce.
After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. You’ll love how rich and creamy it becomes!
Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and color. It enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh flavor.

Things Worth Knowing

Timing is Key: Always monitor the cooking times, especially when adding the pasta. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and parsley elevates the dish significantly.
Cheese Quality: Opt for fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a better texture and flavor.
Experiment: This dish can easily incorporate other proteins or vegetables if desired.

Ways to Customize

One of the best things about Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is how adaptable it is. You can make it your own with a few simple tweaks.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! You can store it for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pairing: Serve alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Consider adding spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste preferences. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!

Great Combinations for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

When it comes to serving Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, there are plenty of wonderful combinations to enhance your dining experience. Here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread: A must-have to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad complements the richness of the dish.
Lunch or Dinner: This dish is perfect for both lunch and dinner, making it versatile for any occasion.
Kid-Friendly: Great for family dinners, kids love the creamy pasta and tender chicken.
Warm and Comforting: Ideal for cozy winter nights when you want something hearty.

FAQ

Using frozen chicken in your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is possible, but it may affect the cooking time. Frozen chicken usually requires a longer cooking duration to ensure it’s fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature. If you choose to use frozen chicken breasts, make sure to set your slow cooker on low for at least 8 hours instead of the usual 5 hours. This way, the chicken gets the time it needs to become tender and infused with flavor.

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use a combination of whole milk and melted butter as a substitute. For every cup of heavy cream, use three-quarters of a cup of milk and a quarter of a cup of melted butter. This will yield a creamy texture, although it may not be as rich as using heavy cream. Just remember, this recipe is quite forgiving, so feel free to adjust accordingly.

Absolutely! Adding vegetables to your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds flavor and texture. Some great options are spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Just be sure to add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft. They’ll cook perfectly with the remaining liquids and mix beautifully with the creamy sauce!

To make your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta for added fiber. You could also reduce the amount of heavy cream and replace it with a lower fat option, such as evaporated milk, to cut down on calories. Additionally, increasethe vegetable content by adding more greens to the recipe, which will not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional benefits.

Conclusion

The Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is truly a dish that brings joy and comfort to any table. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a favorite among families and friends. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones; it’s bound to become a staple in your home. The best part? You can set it and forget it, making dinner time a breeze. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

The ultimate comfort food, Crockpot Chicken Alfredo combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and pasta, making it a deliciously easy weeknight dinner. Perfect for families and gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will love. Try it tonight!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

3 breasts chicken breasts boneless and skinless
1 cup chicken broth low sodium
2 cups heavy cream
4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 ounces pasta such as penne or rotini
1.5 cups Parmesan cheese grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Method

Lay your chicken breasts in the crockpot and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Scatter minced garlic over the top. Gently pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken. It’s fine if the chicken isn’t fully submerged.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours (or on high for 2½ hours).
After 5 hours on low (or 2½ hours on high), stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure it's submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
Continue to cook on low for another hour or on high for about 30 minutes. Check the pasta at around the 30-minute mark to ensure it's cooking to your desired tenderness.
Once the pasta is cooked, gently remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir everything together well.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. It will thicken up and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Chicken Selection: I used boneless skinless chicken breasts but thighs will work as well.
Pasta Tips: Add the pasta in the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft. Use any small shaped pasta you have.
Dairy Substitutes: Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter, though the sauce will be less creamy.
Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.