Description
This Chicken Alfredo in a Crock Pot is an easy, creamy, and comforting meal that practically cooks itself! With tender slow-cooked chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a family favorite. Made with simple ingredients, this hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)
For Garnishing:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken & Sauce:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and butter.
- Stir gently to distribute the ingredients.
Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
Cook the Pasta:
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Shred the Chicken & Adjust Sauce:
- Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Combine & Serve:
- Add the drained pasta to the crock pot and toss to coat it in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximate
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 160mg