Why Make This Recipe
Best Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is a fantastic meal for busy people who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta all cooked together in one pot. It’s perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it requires minimal effort and clean-up!
How to Make Best Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add garlic, cream cheese (cut into cubes), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to distribute seasonings.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender.
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Make sure pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Check pasta for doneness around the 20-minute mark. Once cooked, stir in grated Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Best Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Serve Best Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo hot, directly from the slow cooker. You can garnish with fresh parsley to add some color. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also great with steamed vegetables for a healthy dinner option.
How to Store Best Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
To store any leftovers, let the Chicken Alfredo cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Best Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer more flavor and moisture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a healthier twist.
- Stir the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken broth.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try using different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or rigatoni, instead of penne. You can also switch up the cheese with mozzarella or add some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
FAQs
1. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a pot on the stove. Just simmer all the ingredients together until the chicken is cooked, then shred and stir in the pasta.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the broth and seasonings are free from gluten.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to start cooking.