Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
There’s something magical about creamy comfort food that practically cooks itself. This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate cozy meal for busy days tender chicken simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. Whether you’re feeding a big family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for easy dinners for large families, this one’s a keeper. Dump, set, and forget dinner’s ready when you are.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 5 hrs 45 mins
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, cubed
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, plus more for serving
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs total)
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 6 oz), plus more for serving
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer and start slow cooking: In a 6–8 quart slow cooker, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, salt, pepper, garlic, and chicken breasts. Stir to blend. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F about 3–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high.
- Shred or slice the chicken: Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Slice or shred into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Add rigatoni directly into the slow cooker sauce, stirring to coat. Switch to high heat, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Combine and serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Pro Tips
- Make it lighter: Substitute half the heavy cream with milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
- Add veggies: Spinach, broccoli, or peas mix in perfectly during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Meal prep win: Divide into containers and refrigerate it reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 1272 | 63g | 68g | 81g | 3g | 7g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes! If you’re short on time, add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm it through.
2. How can I make this a healthier Crockpot recipe?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and whole wheat pasta to add extra fiber and balance the richness.
3. Can this be doubled for a team meal or large family dinner?
Absolutely! This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo scales up beautifully just use a larger slow cooker (8–10 quart) and increase the ingredients proportionally.
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Conclusion
If you love creamy slow cooker dinners that make life easier, this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is your new go-to. It’s simple, hearty, and irresistibly creamy the kind of comfort food crockpot recipe that’s perfect for meal prep, big family dinners, or even a team meal after practice. Just dump, cook, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade comfort.