Description
A creamy and comforting Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe that combines tender chicken breasts, rich heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. This slow cooker meal is easy to prepare, with ingredients layered and cooked low and slow to meld flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
- Add Liquids: Gently pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly covered but not necessarily submerged.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours, or alternatively on high for 2½ hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Continue cooking on low for another hour or on high for about 30 minutes, checking pasta tenderness at 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with forks, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly.
- Final Rest and Garnish: Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are preferred, but thighs can be used for a juicier texture.
- Pasta Tips: Add pasta late in the cooking process to avoid mushiness and use small shaped pasta like penne or rotini for best results.
- Dairy Substitutes: Heavy cream can be swapped with half-and-half or milk mixed with butter for a lighter sauce, though creaminess will be reduced.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Modify garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning amounts to match your personal taste preferences.
- Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
