Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the preparation, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this easy Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot recipe:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are juicier, so choose based on your preference.
- Heavy Cream: The key ingredient for the rich, velvety sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but heavy cream gives the best results.
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds extra creaminess and richness to the Alfredo sauce. It also helps thicken the sauce while cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best option for that authentic, nutty flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese, which may not melt as smoothly.
- Butter: Adds a rich, savory flavor and enhances the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: This helps the chicken cook evenly while adding a touch of savory flavor to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary will give your Alfredo sauce a well-rounded flavor.
- Fettuccine Pasta: This is the traditional pasta for Chicken Alfredo, though you can use other types of pasta, like penne or rigatoni, if you prefer.
Variations on the Classic Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot
While the traditional Chicken Alfredo is perfect on its own, you can easily customize this dish to fit your tastes. Here are some variations to consider:
- Chicken and Bacon Alfredo: Add cooked bacon pieces to the slow cooker for an extra savory crunch. Bacon’s smokiness pairs wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken Alfredo with Spinach: For an extra nutrient boost, add fresh spinach to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. The spinach will wilt and add a pop of color to your dish.
- Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick. This will add a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
- Chicken Alfredo with Mushrooms: Saute sliced mushrooms separately, then stir them into the Alfredo sauce for an earthy flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot
Chicken Alfredo is hearty enough to serve as a main course on its own, but here are some ideas for sides that will complement the dish:
- Garlic Bread: A classic side for any pasta dish, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A light and tangy Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Alfredo.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots provide a nice balance of flavors and textures.
How To Thicken the Sauce?
Take out the chicken, make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp. cornstarch and 1 tbsp. water) and pour into the sauce. This will thicken the sauce with the pasta starch and cheese.
The second option, you can add more cheese as per your liking and keep stirring until it melts and reaches your desired consistency.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the sauce may separate a bit after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1-2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little bit of cream or chicken broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to stir in between heating to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the crock pot, but be sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a thicker consistency, add a little more cream cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While fettuccine is the traditional choice, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can work, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 4 breasts )
- 1 pound rigatoni, uncooked
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted, cut into pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth, reduced sodium
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan (4 oz.)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Tools
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning to your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook for 3 - 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH.
- Take out the chicken from the pot, shred it and return it to the slow cooker.
- Now add pasta and parmesan. Mix them well. Cover and cook for 30 minutes on HIGH or until pasta is tender.
- Remove the lid and stir few times. Top with extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired.
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Nutrition Information
Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 763Total Fat 57gSaturated Fat 34gCholesterol 220mgSodium 872mgCarbohydrates 29gSugar 3gProtein 35g
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Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a comforting and delicious meal with minimal effort. With tender chicken, a creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that’s bound to please everyone at the table. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to make it your own by adding vegetables, spices, or even crispy bacon. Give it a try – I’m sure it will become one of your go-to meals in no time!
