This slow-cooked chicken alfredo is a comforting, creamy pasta dish, perfect for a hands-off cooking day. The chicken becomes tender, and the sauce develops deep flavors, making it a family favorite. By using your crockpot, you get all the rich flavors of Alfredo without hovering over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s easy, with minimal prep and no need to watch over the stove.
- Perfect for busy weekdays or weekend dinners.
- A creamy and delicious pasta dish that pleases both kids and adults.
- Customizable with different veggies or pasta shapes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and flavorful, they are the base of the dish.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a strong, aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds the signature cheesy flavor Alfredo is known for.
- Butter: Provides richness and a creamy base.
- Turkey ham: Replaces pork for a lighter yet flavorful alternative.
- Fish gelatin sheets: For a smoother, silky sauce texture if needed.
- Fettuccine: Classic pasta for Alfredo, but you can substitute it with any pasta of choice.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Make the sauce base: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and butter into the slow cooker. Stir to combine, ensuring the flavors meld together as they cook.
- Cook the chicken: Set your crockpot to low and cook the chicken for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks and leave it in the sauce to absorb more flavor.
- Finish the sauce: Add Parmesan cheese and turkey ham to the crockpot, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta: About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the fettuccine or your pasta of choice in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine: Mix the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is coated with the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta. Cook it separately, then add it to the sauce just before serving to maintain its texture.
- If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot/Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be adapted for a low-carb or gluten-free diet by using alternate pasta.
Notes:
- You can substitute the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less thick.
- Add veggies like spinach or peas for a nutritional boost.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will add a bit more richness due to their higher fat content, making the dish even more flavorful.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or microwave to avoid the sauce separating.
Can I freeze this dish? While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, the texture of the Alfredo sauce may change upon reheating. It’s best consumed fresh.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta to maintain texture. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s both easy and satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or just enjoying a cozy night in.
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Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Description
This slow-cooked chicken alfredo is a comforting, creamy pasta dish, perfect for a hands-off cooking day. The chicken becomes tender, and the sauce develops deep flavors, making it a family favorite. By using your crockpot, you get all the rich flavors of Alfredo without hovering over the stove.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and flavorful, they are the base of the dish.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a strong, aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds the signature cheesy flavor Alfredo is known for.
- Butter: Provides richness and a creamy base.
- Turkey ham: Replaces pork for a lighter yet flavorful alternative.
- Fish gelatin sheets: For a smoother, silky sauce texture if needed.
- Fettuccine: Classic pasta for Alfredo, but you can substitute it with any pasta of choice.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Make the sauce base: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and butter into the slow cooker. Stir to combine, ensuring the flavors meld together as they cook.
- Cook the chicken: Set your crockpot to low and cook the chicken for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks and leave it in the sauce to absorb more flavor.
- Finish the sauce: Add Parmesan cheese and turkey ham to the crockpot, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta: About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the fettuccine or your pasta of choice in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine: Mix the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is coated with the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less thick.
- Add veggies like spinach or peas for a nutritional boost.
