Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A warm and creamy dish perfect for busy weeknights, this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo will become a family favorite.
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Alfredo sauce that coats every bite of chicken and pasta
- Convenient slow-cooking method for a hands-off dinner
- Comfort food that brings the whole family together
A Comforting Classic
Chicken Alfredo is a beloved dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. Its rich, creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a delightful combination that appeals to both kids and adults alike. With the convenience of a crockpot, you can enjoy this classic comfort food without the hassle of constant monitoring. Just set it and forget it until it's time to serve your family a delicious meal.
This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is not just about flavor; it's also about ease of preparation. The slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a sauce that is both luscious and full of depth. You’ll love how the garlic and Italian seasoning enhance the dish, bringing an aromatic essence that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
Perfect for Busy Nights
Life can get hectic, especially during the week when activities and commitments pile up. That's why having a recipe like this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo in your repertoire is a game changer. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set up your crockpot and go about your day, knowing a delicious dinner is waiting for you when you return home.
This recipe is particularly great for families with varying schedules. Whether you're coming home from work, school, or extracurricular activities, this meal is ready to serve when you are. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make for an excellent lunch the next day.
Customization Options
While this recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, it also offers plenty of room for customization. Want to add some vegetables? Throw in broccoli or spinach during the last hour of cooking for an extra nutritional boost. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor.
For those who prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of pasta, like penne or rotini, for a fun twist on this classic dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Alfredo
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
Cook the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve
Shred the chicken in the crockpot and stir in the cooked pasta. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few simple accompaniments. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make excellent choices, allowing you to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
For a special touch, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or serve with a side of roasted vegetables to incorporate more flavors and textures to your meal.
Storage and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in for a treat! This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from getting too mushy, it's best to store the chicken and pasta separately if possible. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken Alfredo for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up on the stove. This way, you can savor this delicious meal any time you crave comfort food.
Nutritional Information
While this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is undeniably indulgent, it can also be part of a balanced diet. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese offer calcium and healthy fats. To make it even more nutritious, consider incorporating vegetables into the dish, as mentioned earlier. This will add fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Always be mindful of portion sizes, especially since creamy dishes can be calorie-dense. By serving it with a side salad or vegetables, you can enjoy the flavors you love while maintaining a well-rounded meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to increase the cooking time.
→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a low-fat cream, but the sauce may not be as rich.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
A warm and creamy dish perfect for busy weeknights, this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo will become a family favorite.
Created by: Lucy Bennett
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Alfredo
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Shred the chicken in the crockpot and stir in the cooked pasta. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 28g