Description
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe offers a creamy, comforting meal made effortless by slow cooking. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich sauce of heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan, paired perfectly with pasta cooked right in the crockpot. Finished with fresh parsley, it’s a deliciously simple dish ideal for a hearty dinner with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the minced garlic on top to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream gently over the chicken, making sure the chicken is mostly covered though it doesn’t have to be fully submerged.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2½ hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid to cook evenly. Cook on low for another hour or on high for 30 minutes.
- Check Pasta Doneness: Around the 30-minute mark on high cooking, check if the pasta has reached your preferred tenderness to avoid overcooking.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot, shred them with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly to create a creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- Rest and Meld Flavors: Let the dish sit in the crockpot for a few minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce and blend the flavors perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, colorful finish before serving.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but boneless thighs can be substituted for a juicier option.
- Pasta Tips: Adding pasta in the last hour prevents it from overcooking and turning mushy. Use small shapes like penne, rotini, or shells for best results.
- Dairy Substitutes: Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Adjust garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your liking for a personalized flavor profile.
- Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg