Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a delightful comfort food dish that combines creamy, rich flavors with tender chicken and pasta, perfect for a family meal or a cozy night in. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe that allows you to enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker, with minimal prep time needed. This dish is all about creamy indulgence, savory chicken, and deliciously cooked pasta, creating a meal that everyone will love.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
One of the best things about this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe is its ease and versatility. You can set everything up in the morning and come home to a warm, hearty meal that feels like a bowl of love. The creamy sauce clings to every piece of pasta and chicken, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, using a slow cooker means that the chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart as you shred it. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients about Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
To make your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked ziti pasta
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Directions
Making Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is straightforward and fun! Start by adding your boneless skinless chicken thighs to the slow cooker. This cut is ideal because it remains juicy and flavorful even after prolonged cooking. Next, pour in the 2 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 2 cups of chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is well-covered. This combination of cream and broth will create a silky sauce that forms the base of your Alfredo.
After that, add the cubed cream cheese and unsalted butter. These ingredients contribute to the creamy texture that Alfredo is known for. Sprinkle in the pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to season your dish perfectly. Stir everything gently to combine the flavors.
Once all your ingredients are in the crockpot, set the temperature to HIGH and let it cook for 2 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreddable with a fork. When the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.
Now it’s time for the pasta! Add the raw uncooked ziti pasta to the slow cooker, followed by the 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the creamy sauce. Cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes or until the noodles are perfectly tender. Be sure to check occasionally, adding a bit more chicken broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
Before serving, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, according to your preference. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese for an added touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious results of your efforts!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Serving Crockpot Chicken Alfredo can be as simple or as elegant as you desire. For a cozy family dinner, scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls, ensuring everyone gets a good amount of pasta and chicken. The rich, creamy sauce will cling beautifully to the ziti, making it the star of the meal.
If you’d like to elevate your presentation, consider serving your Alfredo in a large, shallow serving dish. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. You can also offer extra grated parmesan cheese on the side, allowing guests to customize their servings.
Pair this delightful dish with a light salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A simple green salad can complement the richness of the Alfredo, balancing the meal perfectly.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
To ensure your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken thighs work best because they remain tender and juicy during cooking. Avoid chicken breasts, as they can dry out in the slow cooker.
- Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds a luscious texture to the sauce that you won’t achieve with heavy cream alone. It’s crucial for that creamy Alfredo consistency.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your sauce is too thick after cooking, you can add more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can cook it a little longer without the lid to help thicken the sauce.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While the recipe calls for garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices that you love. Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Use Quality Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh cheese melts better and has a more robust flavor.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
If you happen to have leftovers of your scrumptious Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, storing it is easy. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to reheat only the portions you plan to eat, as repeated reheating can affect the texture of the sauce.
To enjoy your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo later, you can freeze it as well. Keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For best results, reheat the frozen Alfredo gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
While this version of Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is delectable as is, there are countless variations you can try to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Veggies: Incorporate fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and nutritious. Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they maintain some of their texture.
- Use Different Pasta: While ziti pasta works beautifully in this recipe, feel free to swap it out for your favorite pasta shape. Penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would all be delicious!
- Try Different Proteins: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, consider using shrimp or turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to incorporate some spice into your creamy sauce.
- Create a Low-Carb Version: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a healthier, low-carb option. Adjust your cooking time to ensure the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
FAQ section
What is Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish made with boneless chicken thighs, heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and spices, all cooked together in a slow cooker with uncooked ziti pasta.
How long does it take to make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to prepare this dish: 2 hours for cooking the chicken and sauce, and 30 minutes for cooking the pasta.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended due to their moisture content. If you use chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them to avoid drying out.
Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
How should I store leftover Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs Choose thighs for juiciness.
- 2.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed Adds a creamy texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper Adjust for taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust for taste.
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Pasta and Garnish Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked ziti pasta Can be substituted with other pasta shapes.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Plus more for serving.
- Fresh chopped parsley for serving Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add boneless skinless chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
- Add cubed cream cheese and unsalted butter.
- Sprinkle pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Gently stir to combine.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 2 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add uncooked ziti pasta and parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
- Cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender, adding broth if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in plates or bowls with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
- Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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