Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT. This dish takes everything you crave about creamy chicken pasta and makes it effortless, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Imagine juicy chicken, a luscious Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coming together in a one-pot wonder that’s tailor-made for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The best part? You barely lift a finger, yet the result tastes like you’ve been stirring a pot all day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or that irresistible cheesy stretch. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, they soak up all those dreamy Alfredo flavors and shred beautifully for perfect bites.
- Heavy cream: This is what gives your sauce its rich, velvety texture—don’t be shy!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes while keeping the dish from getting too salty.
- Minced garlic: Four fresh cloves infuse every bite with savory, aromatic goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic Italian flair to your Alfredo.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper: Just the right amount of warmth and spice to balance out the creamy sauce.
- Uncooked penne pasta: Toss it in dry and let the slow cooker work its magic so the pasta soaks up all the flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts into gooey, stretchy perfection.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and sharp—Parmesan is non-negotiable for authentic Alfredo flavor.
- Butter: Adds extra silkiness and a hint of richness to the sauce.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a burst of fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness right before serving.
How to Make CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Start the Sauce
Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your trusty 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those flavors. This cozy bath is where your chicken will slowly tenderize and soak up every ounce of flavor, setting the stage for a truly irresistible CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce will start to develop its creamy, savory personality. Resist the urge to peek too often—let the slow cooker do its thing!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked and practically falling apart, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks (or your hands, if you let it cool a bit). Shredding helps the chicken soak up even more of that luscious sauce when you return it to the pot.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese
Now for the fun part! Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the uncooked penne pasta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a couple tablespoons of butter. Stir until everything is nicely mixed, and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce—that’s how it cooks up perfectly creamy and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Stir
Cover the slow cooker again and switch it to high. Let everything cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, just until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is bubbling and thickened. Give it a good stir before serving to make sure all the cheesy goodness is evenly distributed throughout your CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT.
How to Serve CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley is all you need to bring a touch of color and freshness to this creamy dish. If you want to take it up a notch, add a dusting of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy entrée is practically a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a true Italian-inspired feast, serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT straight from the slow cooker for a family-style dinner, or plate it up in shallow pasta bowls for a restaurant-worthy experience. For a fun twist, try spooning the creamy pasta into hollowed-out bread bowls or topping each serving with a few cherry tomato halves and a drizzle of good olive oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to deepen as it sits.
Freezing
Want to have this comfort meal ready at a moment’s notice? Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, as the creamy sauce can separate slightly when frozen, but a good stir will bring it right back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and bring back that just-made creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic for holding onto that creamy sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just keep in mind that thinner pastas may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness earlier.
Is it possible to make this recipe with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply add the shredded chicken during the last 40 minutes when you add the pasta and cheeses, since it only needs to heat through.
How can I make CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT lighter?
For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half for some of the heavy cream, and use part-skim mozzarella. You can also toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost that’s both colorful and nutritious.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s a bit thin, just let it cook uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and you may need to add a little extra time when cooking the pasta. It’s a true crowd-pleaser at potlucks and parties.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so deeply satisfying about making a big batch of CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT and watching everyone come back for seconds (and thirds!). Give this recipe a try and see how effortlessly it brings comfort, flavor, and plenty of smiles to your table.
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CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO SLOW COOKER DELIGHT Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker Delight is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich Alfredo sauce, combined with pasta and melted cheeses, creating a luscious, flavorful meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the uncooked penne pasta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and butter to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and cook on high for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is creamy and thickened. Stir occasionally during this time for even cooking.
- Serve: Stir the dish well before serving to blend the cheese evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream.
- Use rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking and prep time significantly.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach to include a healthy vegetable boost.
- Use low-sodium broth to further control the salt content, if preferred.
- Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce to prevent drying out during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
