Name: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 large breasts); ¼ cup butter (cubed); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened and cubed); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1¼ cups grated parmesan cheese; 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the cold winter nights set in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy dish to bring comfort. That’s where Crockpot Chicken Alfredo comes into play. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly Saturday evening, and I wanted something that would not only fill our bellies but also warm our hearts. The idea of letting the slow cooker do all the work while I enjoyed a cozy time with family seemed perfect. We gathered around the table, and as the aroma filled the air, everyone knew something special was on the way. The beauty of Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is its simplicity; just toss in your ingredients, let the magic happen, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
3 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
180 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
630 kcal

Protein:
43 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
38 g

Tools Used:
Grater, Chef’s Knife, Slow Cooker

What We Adore About This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

1. Comfort Food at Its Best

What I love about Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is how it embodies comfort food in a bowl. Each bite is rich and creamy, thanks to the delightful blend of cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth, making even the coldest days feel a bit brighter.

2. Effortless Cooking

With a busy lifestyle, I cherish recipes that are easy to prepare. This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo requires minimal effort. Just spray the crockpot, add the ingredients, and let it work its magic while you focus on other things. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

3. Perfect for Gatherings

This dish makes a fantastic centerpiece for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. When I serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, I love to see everyone’s delighted faces as they take their first bites. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is satisfying and leaves everyone wanting more.

4. Customizable and Versatile

One of the best parts of making Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is how you can adjust it to your tastes. Want to add vegetables? Go for it! Feel like experimenting with different types of pasta? Why not! This flexibility allows each cook to make it their own.

5. The Aroma

Nothing beats the aroma of a slow-cooked meal wafting through the house. Whenever I make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, my family knows dinner will be something special. The enticing scent of garlic and creamy goodness fills every corner, making everyone eager to gather around the table.

6. Great Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, you’re in for a treat. The flavors deepen overnight, and the pasta takes on a deliciously rich flavor that makes the next day’s lunch something to look forward to. Who doesn’t love a meal that tastes even better the next day?

Recipe Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

To create the rich and creamy goodness of Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, we rely on a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each plays an essential role in achieving the dish’s decadent texture and taste. The combination of chicken, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream forms the creamy base, while the parmesan cheese adds a robust flavor that ties everything together. Let’s explore what you’ll need:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, about 2 large breasts – The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
¼ cup butter, cubed – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed – This creates the creamy texture we love.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses great flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings an aromatic herb blend to the mix.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream – The base of our creamy sauce.
1 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor.
1¼ cups grated parmesan cheese – The finishing touch that adds a savory bite.
12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked – A great pasta shape that holds the sauce well.

Making This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Preparing Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is as easy as it gets, and I absolutely love how the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent any sticking and makes for easier cleanup later.
Next, take your chicken breast and place it at the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure to spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
Now, add the cream cheese and butter cubes on top of the chicken. These will melt down and combine beautifully as they cook.
It’s time to pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper over everything. This is where the flavor begins to develop.
Next, add the heavy whipping cream to the mix, ensuring it covers the chicken and cheese well. This will create a rich and creamy sauce.
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken breast is fully cooked. You’ll want to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it into bite-size pieces with two forks. It should be tender and easy to shred.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and add the uncooked penne pasta along with the grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently to combine.
Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and tender. Make sure to check the pasta for doneness; it should be al dente.
Once everything is well-mixed and the pasta is cooked, serve the Crockpot Chicken Alfredo hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped greens for freshness.

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t rush the cooking: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully. It’s worth the wait!
Check for doneness: Always ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.
Stir occasionally: If possible, give the mixture a gentle stir during cooking to help combine the flavors.
Customize your pasta: Feel free to use different shapes of pasta; just adjust cooking time as necessary.

Recipe Variations about Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some variations to enhance your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo experience.

Vegetable Additions: Consider adding broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for turkey or add shrimp for a seafood twist.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a nice kick.
Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor.
Herb Options: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a fresh finish when serving.

Accompaniments for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

When serving Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, consider pairing it with these delightful accompaniments:

Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Caesar Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans are excellent options for a healthy side.
Wine Pairing: A light white wine can enhance the flavors of this dish.
Seasonal Variations: During winter, a warm, hearty soup can make for a comforting meal.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo. Just remember that it may require additional cooking time. Make sure to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches 165°F before shredding.

Penne pasta is a great choice for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can also use rotini or fusilli if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different pasta types.

Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just add them to the crockpot when you’re ready to cook. This makes Crockpot Chicken Alfredo a fantastic option for meal prep!

Yes, there are several ways to lighten up Crockpot Chicken Alfredo. You can use whole-wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value while still enjoying the creamy texture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Alfredo stands out for its creamy richness and ease of preparation, making it a go-to comfort food. I encourage you to try this recipe yourself. You and your family will love the delicious outcome!