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Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker: Easy Recipe & Tips

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Creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo served over your favorite pasta. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce (creamy, classic flavor preferred)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine recommended)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken and Sauce: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and Italian seasoning. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Pour the Alfredo sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
  4. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  5. Add butter, cut into small pats, on top of the sauce.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.
  8. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the Alfredo sauce.
  10. Let the chicken and sauce mixture sit in the slow cooker for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  11. Cook Pasta: While the chicken is finishing, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Salt the pasta water generously.
  12. Drain pasta well; do not rinse.
  13. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker with the chicken and Alfredo sauce. Gently toss until evenly coated.
  14. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of the pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with a small amount (about 1/4 cup) and add more as needed.
  15. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Add Vegetables: Broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added during the last hour of cooking.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
  • Use Different Cheese: Experiment with Asiago, Romano, or mozzarella.
  • Make it Lighter: Use light Alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cream cheese. Add steamed vegetables.
  • Add a Protein Boost: Consider adding cooked bacon or pancetta.
  • Garlic Lovers: Roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
  • Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with Chicken Alfredo.
  • Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is best suited for a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.
  • Slow Cooker Temperature: Keep an eye on your slow cooker’s temperature. Some slow cookers run hotter than others, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Preventing Sticking: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker, you can spray the bottom with cooking spray before adding the chicken.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping in the creamy Alfredo sauce, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing, roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, or a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or heat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/chicken-alfredo-slow-cooker/