Description
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with pasta, creating a rich and comforting dish perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta such as penne or rotini
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay your chicken breasts in the crockpot and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Scatter minced garlic over the top. Gently pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2½ hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Pasta to Crockpot: After the initial cooking time, stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Continue cooking on low for an additional hour or on high for about 30 minutes. Check the pasta at the 30-minute point to ensure it reaches your desired tenderness.
- Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, gently remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Rest and Thicken: Let the dish sit in the crockpot for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are used, but boneless thighs can also be substituted for extra flavor.
- Pasta Tips: Add pasta during the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking and using small-shaped pasta works best.
- Dairy Substitutes: Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk mixed with butter, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Adjust garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your preference.
- Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
