Description
Creamy and comforting Crockpot Chicken Alfredo made with tender chicken breasts, rich heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, combined with perfectly cooked pasta for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Units
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Main Ingredients
- 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)
- 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 evenly over the top. Gently pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken, making sure it's covered but it’s fine if the chicken isn’t fully submerged.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2½ hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add pasta: After the initial cooking, stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it's submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the pasta: Continue cooking on low for another hour or on high for about 30 minutes. Check the pasta at around the 30-minute mark to ensure it has reached your desired tenderness.
- Shred the chicken: Once the pasta is cooked, gently remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add cheese and combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and pasta beautifully.
- Let flavors meld and serve: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to thicken. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are preferred, but thighs can be used for a slightly richer flavor.
- Pasta Tips: Add pasta in the last hour to avoid overcooking. Small shaped pasta like penne or rotini works best.
- Dairy Substitutes: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk combined with butter for a lighter sauce, keeping in mind the sauce will be less creamy.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Adjust garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste for perfect flavor balance.
- Storing and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
