Creamy Dreamy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of comfort food, eh? I was mulling around the kitchen thinking about my favorite Italian dish, and it suddenly occurred to me! Do you ever crave something creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying? This slow cooker chicken alfredo recipe is your answer.

It's like a big hug in a bowl, and it's dead easy to make. It is inspired by the Italian slow cooker recipes .

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good Alfredo? This slow cooker chicken alfredo is proper lush. It brings the rich and comforting flavors of a classic creamy chicken alfredo recipe but with the added ease of a slow cooker .

The creamy sauce is divine, making it a perfect comfort food recipes dish!

Brief Overview

Alfredo sauce, originating in Rome, Italy, is a beloved classic. This version takes that classic flavour and adapts it to the convenience of a slow cooker .

It's a low-effort, high reward recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. It takes about 15 minutes to prep. Cooking on high takes 3- 4 hours, or 6- 8 hours on low, and serves about 6 people.

Main Benefits

This recipe is great for a weeknight dinner ideas dish because it basically cooks itself, meaning less stress for you!.

The dump and start chicken alfredo is incredibly easy to customize and can be served for a family meal or a casual gathering.

This crockpot chicken alfredo with cream cheese makes it extra creamy, and the slow cooking process ensures the chicken is super tender! This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a easy slow cooker meals .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this deliciousness. This Alfredo sauce slow cooker recipe is so simple, that you'll make it a weekly thing!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, mate! So, you fancy making some slow cooker chicken alfredo ? Top choice! Honestly, this creamy chicken alfredo recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof.

Let's break down what you'll need for this champion of comfort food recipes . This is one of the best easy slow cooker meals around.

Main Ingredients for Your Dreamy Alfredo

• Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Try to get free range, if you can. Honestly, the quality makes a difference.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Just your standard stuff will do.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Don't cry too much!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Go wild, or use the jarred stuff, no judgement here.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp dried. It's what it says on the tin.
• Salt: ½ tsp
• Black Pepper: ¼ tsp
• Chicken Broth: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120ml) . Don't skimp, this is where the creaminess comes in.
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz (115g) , softened and cubed. This is where we go for Crockpot chicken alfredo with cream cheese .
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (60g) grated. Real Parmigiano Reggiano is the dream, but any hard Italian cheese will work.
• Romano Cheese: ¼ cup (30g) grated (optional). A nice touch, but don't sweat it if you haven't got any.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy.
• Fettuccine Pasta: 1 lb (450g) dried. Or whatever pasta you fancy, really.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Italian seasoning is your base here. A simple mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Salt and pepper are essential to wake up the flavors.

Cream cheese is our star, this is where this recipe goes from a Creamy chicken alfredo recipe to a family meal.

It also elevates what a normal Italian slow cooker recipes

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart size is ideal. This is really a dump and start chicken alfredo !
• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. Obvs.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For getting your measurements right.

Honestly, you probably have most of this already. Now you know you will not be needing to worry about your weeknight dinner ideas anymore.

My first attempt at this I was missing a colander. I used a sieve with a plate, lol.

Enjoy your slow cooker pasta dishes , it is a real treat.

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo: The Ultimate Comfort Food Hug

Honestly, who doesn't love a good comfort food recipe ? Especially when it's an easy slow cooker meal like this slow cooker chicken alfredo .

This recipe is proper lush a real winner for those busy weeknight dinner ideas when you just can't be bothered with fuss.

It's like a warm hug in a bowl. This creamy chicken alfredo recipe takes all the effort out of a classic.

Let's dive in!

Prep Like a Boss: Setting Up for Success

Before we get cracking, let's sort out our mise en place. Chop your onion, mince that garlic, and get your ingredients measured.

It's all about being organized! Soften your cream cheese too. Honestly, it's better to have everything ready than to be scrambling around mid-cook.

This cuts down on prep time massively. It's also safety first: Make sure your chicken is defrosted before cooking and your work surfaces are clean.

No one wants a dodgy tummy!

step-by-step: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Magic

Ready to get cooking? Here we go:

1. (Optional) Sear chicken in a pan for 2- 3 minutes per side to lock in flavour.
2. Place onion and garlic in your slow cooker.
3. Pop the chicken on top and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the chicken broth.
5. Cook on High for 3- 4 hours or Low for 6- 8 hours . Chicken is ready when it shreds easily. Internal temp should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
6. Shred the chicken and put it back in the slow cooker.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth. This gives you that creamy chicken alfredo recipe !
8. Mix in Parmesan and Romano cheeses until melted.

While the sauce cooks, boil up some fettuccine. Drain it, then stir it into the slow cooker. Ta-dah! Garnish with parsley and serve this incredible slow cooker pasta dishes

Pro Tips and Tricks for Epic Alfredo

Want to take your slow cooker chicken alfredo to the next level? Try searing the chicken first. It really does boost the flavour.

Don't skip on good quality Parmesan! Trust me, you'll taste the difference. A lot of people wonder about the "dump and start".

If you want a dump and start chicken alfredo , throw everything in without searing, and it will still be delicious! Just maybe not quite as flavorful.

Oh, and be sure your slow cooker is the appropriate size, or it may overflow.

I love this recipe because you can prep it in the morning and have a delicious dinner waiting for you.

It's perfect for a chilly evening. It really is one of my go-to Italian slow cooker recipes .

Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Right!

Alright, so you’re ready to whip up this amazing slow cooker chicken alfredo ? Fab! Before you get started, here are a few nuggets of wisdom to make sure it turns out absolutely spot on.

This isn't rocket science but these tips will guarantee an awesome creamy chicken alfredo recipe . You know, easy slow cooker meals that everyone loves.

Serving Suggestions: Making It Look Fancy (Or Not!)

Listen, you can totally just pile this glorious slow cooker pasta dishes into a bowl. No judgement here! But if you're feeling a bit posh, try plating it nicely.

Twirl the pasta with tongs, spoon the alfredo sauce slow cooker over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Boom! Instant restaurant vibes.

A side of garlic bread is a must! And if you're feeling healthy, a simple green salad cuts through the richness.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio is a perfect match. A cheeky glass of prosecco would do the job as well.

Storage Tips: Keep It For Later (If There's Any Left!)

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers of this Italian slow cooker recipes , pop them in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it. Just let it cool completely first.

To reheat, microwave it until piping hot, or gently heat it in a pan on the hob. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Honestly, you could just eat it cold with a fork straight from the fridge. I won't tell!

Variations: Making It Your Own!

Fancy a bit of a change? Why not add a pinch of chilli flakes for a bit of a kick? Or stir in some cooked broccoli or mushrooms for a veggie boost.

For a healthier version, use light cream cheese and less heavy cream.

Seasonal swaps are fun too. Think roasted butternut squash in autumn or asparagus in spring. You could even try it with different pasta shapes! Penne or rigatoni work brilliantly.

I used plant based ingredients last time I made it, it was still great!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. This comfort food recipes is packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese.

It's also got carbs for energy. Keep in mind, it is quite rich, so maybe don't eat the whole pot in one sitting! Everything in moderation, eh?

This dump and start chicken alfredo is great for busy weeknight dinner ideas . It's a simple crockpot chicken alfredo with cream cheese recipe. Now, go forth and conquer! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make slow cooker chicken alfredo ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it ahead is a cracking idea, especially if you're prepping for a busy week. You can cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to serve, just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and then cook your pasta fresh.

My slow cooker chicken alfredo sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it up?

Don't you worry your pretty little head, there's an easy fix for that! A simple cornstarch slurry is your best bet. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.

Give it a good stir and let it bubble away until it reaches your desired thickness. You can also reduce the liquid after slow cooking on the stove over medium heat until you have reached the consistency you desire.

Is there a healthier way to make slow cooker chicken alfredo?

You bet there is, mate! Try using light cream cheese and reducing the amount of heavy cream, or you could even substitute some of the heavy cream with milk. Another trick is to load up on veggies like broccoli or spinach - sneak them in and you'll barely notice the difference!

Of course you can make this dairy-free too. The variations are endless, really.

What's the best way to store leftover slow cooker chicken alfredo?

Leftovers are always a win! Store your leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it's thickened too much.

It might not be quite as good as the first time around, but it'll still be a tasty treat.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this slow cooker chicken alfredo recipe?

It's generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken breasts in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. The chicken might not reach a safe internal temperature quickly enough, which could allow bacteria to grow.

For best results, thaw your chicken breasts completely in the fridge before adding them to the slow cooker. Better safe than sorry!

What other ingredients can I add to my slow cooker chicken alfredo?

Let your imagination run wild. Some great additions include steamed broccoli florets, sauteed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes (for a bit of zing!), or even some cooked bacon for extra flavour and texture. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick to the dish, giving it that little something extra.

Just be sure the vegetables are cooked before adding to the slow cooker. You can saute them quickly in a pan with a bit of garlic to soften them up.