Description
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for effortless dinner prep. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce with Italian seasoning, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It offers a delicious and hearty dish with minimal hands-on time.
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 and pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces penne pasta or rotini
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Sauce: Lay the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream gently over everything, ensuring some of the chicken is submerged but it's okay if it's not fully covered.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low heat for 5 hours, or on high heat for 2½ hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid to spread heat evenly and cook properly.
- Cook Pasta: Continue cooking on low for 1 more hour or on high for 30 minutes. Check after 30 minutes to avoid overcooking; the pasta should be tender but firm.
- Shred Chicken and Mix: Carefully remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir well to combine the cheese with the creamy sauce and pasta.
- Let Thicken: Allow the dish to sit with the lid off for a few minutes; this helps the sauce thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh flavor and vibrant color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for lean meat, or substitute with thighs for juicier results.
- Pasta Tips: Add pasta late in cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Small pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best to cook evenly in the sauce.
- Dairy Substitutes: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk and butter mix to lighten the sauce, keeping in mind it will be less creamy.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Customize garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning amounts to fit your preference.
- Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight and gently reheat on stovetop or microwave to preserve creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg