There’s something unforgettable about the creamy richness of pasta combined with smoky, tangy BBQ flavors — that’s exactly what makes the Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe a total winner in my book. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and bold taste, all wrapped up in one easy slow cooker dish that’s sure to impress any night of the week.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe — the way the house filled with the aroma of garlic, buttery sauce, and smoky BBQ was downright cozy. It’s effortless but feels special, perfect for when you want something indulgent without standing at the stove.
- Effortless Comfort: Just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it work its magic, no constant stirring or babysitting required.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of creamy Alfredo, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy bacon keeps your taste buds guessing — in the best way possible.
- Family Friendly: This dish pleases even picky eaters — and sneaks some protein into a delicious carb-forward meal.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax or chat with loved ones after dinner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe plays a key role: the chicken soaks up rich flavors, and the creamy sauce marries perfectly with smoky BBQ notes. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and quality Parmesan to really elevate the dish.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless to cook evenly and shred easily after slow cooking.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture without heaviness — no substitute here for true flavor.
- Butter: Cubed for even melting; it enriches the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh is best—chopped finely to infuse the sauce with savory notes.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning that lets all the other flavors shine.
- Spaghetti noodles: Broken in half so they fit well and cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- Heavy cream: Creates that classic Alfredo creaminess without curdling during slow cooking.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite style—mine’s usually smoky and tangy to contrast the cream.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded for better melt and that sharp, nutty finish.
- Bacon strips: Cooked and chopped for a crunchy, smoky surprise throughout the pasta.
Make It Your Way
Personally, I love swapping bacon for sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little heat. This recipe is forgiving — feel free to experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce flavors or add a handful of fresh herbs at the end.
- Variation: I once made it with smoked Gouda instead of Parmesan and it was a game-changer — super smoky and creamy.
- Dietary Mods: Use gluten-free spaghetti and turkey bacon to fit gluten-sensitive or lighter diets without losing the essence.
- Seasonal Twist: Toss in some roasted red peppers or fresh spinach for color and nutrients.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Set the Stage with That Perfect Base
First up, spray the inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray — trust me, this saves you from any sticky situations later. Lay your chicken breasts in a single layer so they cook evenly. Then pour in the chicken broth, drop your cubes of butter, add chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Pop the lid on and set it to HIGH. The aroma that starts to develop after an hour or so is seriously irresistible.
Step 2: Time for the Magic — Noodles and Sauce
After 2 hours, carefully take out the chicken breasts with tongs (they’ll be tender and juicy). Break the spaghetti noodles in half — this is key for fitting them perfectly into the pot. Add the noodles, then pour in the heavy cream and BBQ sauce. Stir gently, then cover and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This step lovingly transforms the sauce and noodles into creamy perfection.
Step 3: The Finishing Touches — Chicken, Cheese & Bacon!
Slice up the chicken you set aside, then stir it back into the crock pot with shredded Parmesan and chopped bacon. Mix it all together, cover again, and let it cook for 15 more minutes. Just before serving, I love sprinkling extra bacon and a drizzle of BBQ sauce on top for that irresistible crunch and zing. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Top Tip
One thing I’ve found with this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe is that patience pays off — letting the chicken cook fully before adding noodles ensures everything is tender and well-flavored without mushy pasta.
- Prepping the Chicken Evenly: Use chicken breasts of similar size to avoid under- or overcooking parts of the dish.
- Timing the Noodles: Breaking noodles in half helps them cook evenly; stirring them once during cooking prevents clumping.
- Adding Cream Last: Delaying the cream until after the chicken cooks prevents separation or curdling in your sauce.
- Crisp Bacon Finish: Cook your bacon separately until crisp for texture contrast, then add it right at the end.
How to Serve Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for popping fresh chopped parsley on top for a hint of color and freshness to cut through the richness. Plus, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a little drizzle of BBQ sauce amps up that beautiful BBQ creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty meal with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the creaminess or grab some crunchy garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, I like serving the pasta in individual bowls garnished with sliced green onions and a few crispy bacon bits. It’s an easy way to make it feel a little extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Something magical happens after a day—the flavors deepen, making the next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture. It’s quick and keeps the sauce luscious without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time since they may cook a bit faster.
Tangy and smoky BBQ sauces work beautifully here. I prefer a balanced sauce that's not overly sweet so it doesn’t overpower the creamy Alfredo base.
You can assemble the ingredients and keep them in the fridge overnight, but it’s best to add the noodles and cream just before cooking or halfway through for the best texture.
Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe has become one of those staple dishes I turn to when I want something both hearty and reassuringly delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a cozy classic made simple, and honestly, watching everyone dig in with smiles makes the slow cooker time totally worth it. Give it a go—you might just add this one to your regular rotation.
Print
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti recipe combining tender chicken breasts, rich Alfredo sauce, smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and tender spaghetti for an easy and delicious slow-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup butter, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups heavy cream
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded parmesan
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
Optional Toppings
- Additional BBQ sauce
- Additional cooked and chopped bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray inside of Crock Pot well with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the pot. Add the chicken broth, butter cubes, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Place the lid on and set to cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Remove and Slice Chicken: After 2 hours, use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board and set them aside. Slice them once cooled enough to handle.
- Add Spaghetti and Sauces: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and BBQ sauce. Stir gently to combine. Return the lid to the pot.
- Cook Spaghetti: Continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes, stirring the spaghetti once around the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking.
- Add Final Ingredients: After spaghetti is cooked for 30 minutes, add the sliced chicken, shredded parmesan cheese, and chopped bacon to the pot. Stir everything well to combine.
- Finish Cooking: Return the lid to the pot and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Serve: Top with additional BBQ sauce and chopped bacon if desired just before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy BBQ Alfredo chicken spaghetti!
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the salt and pepper.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any other pasta shape, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure to break spaghetti noodles so they fit well in the crock pot for even cooking.
- Heavy cream adds richness; for a lighter version, use half-and-half but the sauce will be thinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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