Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a standout dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, all served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish delivers the comforting flavors of a classic Italian alfredo sauce, but with the convenience of a slow cooker. You can set it and forget it, making it the perfect option for busy weekdays or cozy family dinners.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
You’ll find this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe a favorite in any household. It’s not only delicious, but it also exemplifies the ease of slow cooking. The convenience of using a crockpot means you can spend less time in the kitchen while enjoying an impressive meal. The creamy sauce, made from heavy cream and cream cheese, blends beautifully with the chicken and pasta, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the versatility and simplicity of the ingredients make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Ingredients about Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Crockpot Chicken Alfredo:
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
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Directions
Making Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is straightforward and uncomplicated. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will delight your taste buds.
- Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are arranged evenly.
- Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. It’s essential to ensure the chicken is fully covered by the liquid, providing that rich flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Then, add the cubed cream cheese and unsalted butter to the slow cooker. These ingredients will melt and combine to create an incredibly creamy sauce as they cook.
- After that, sprinkle in the pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients, allowing the seasonings to infuse into the chicken and sauce.
- Set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 2 hours. This will allow the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for ensuring that every mouthful is flavorful and easy to eat.
- Now it’s time to add the uncooked ziti pasta and the parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir it well to ensure that the pasta is thoroughly submerged in the creamy sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Check it occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly.
- Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Serving Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is as easy as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to make your meal even more enjoyable:
- Plating: Use large pasta bowls to serve this dish, allowing ample space for the creamy sauce. Spoon generous portions of the chicken and ziti onto each plate.
- Garnishing: Finish your plates with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh chopped parsley. This adds not only flavor but also a beautiful finish to your meal.
- Accompaniments: Pair your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with a simple side salad or garlic bread, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta. A light side of roasted vegetables can also complement the rich flavors of the dish.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
To elevate your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo and ensure the best results, consider the following expert tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Always use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, local chicken and organic dairy products can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Shredding Chicken: For easier shredding, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender texture.
- Pasta Options: While ziti works wonderfully, you can also experiment with other pasta shapes like rotini or penne, depending on your preference.
- Adjust Timing: Slow cookers can vary, so keep an eye on the cooking time. If your pasta is cooked before the designated time, you can turn off the cooker and let it sit with the lid on; the residual heat will continue cooking the pasta.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mix for a spicy twist.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Storing your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is simple and effective. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigerate: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled meal in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply add your desired portion to a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally until evenly heated.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily switch things up based on your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some exciting variations to consider:
- Vegetable Alfredo: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with an array of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You may want to adjust the cooking time to ensure the veggies don’t become too soft.
- Seafood Alfredo: For a seafood twist, add shrimp or scallops towards the end of the cooking process. Cook them until pink and tender for a delightful change of pace.
- Cheesy Alfredo: If you love cheese, consider adding additional cheese varieties like mozzarella or gouda into the mix for a gooey texture.
- Healthier Options: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives for a healthier or dietary-conscientious meal. You can also reduce the amount of cream and use low-fat yogurt or milk instead.
FAQ: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
What is the main ingredient in Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
The main ingredient in Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is boneless skinless chicken thighs, which become tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, adjust the cooking time as necessary, ensuring that it cooks thoroughly.
How long does it take to make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
The total cooking time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes—2 hours for the chicken and another 30 minutes for the pasta to cook.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it later. It’s even tastier the next day!
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is an excellent meal prep option, allowing you to prepare multiple servings at once for easy meals throughout the week.
Now that you have everything you need to create a delicious Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, gather your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy the warmth and flavor this dish brings to your table.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 0.5 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked ziti pasta
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- to taste fresh chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them evenly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully covered by the liquid.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and unsalted butter to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in the pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking
- Set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the uncooked ziti pasta and parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!