Description
This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker Delight is a rich and creamy Italian-American dish featuring tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a velvety blend of cheeses and cream. Easy to prepare and cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker, it’s a comforting main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This creates the flavorful base that will infuse the chicken as it cooks.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is moist and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the broth and seasonings remaining at the bottom.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and cubed cream cheese into the slow cooker. Stir continuously until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the chicken nicely.
- Add the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce and chicken. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover and cook on high for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender.
- Finish with Parsley and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and a fresh herbal note. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting slow cooker chicken Alfredo.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker just before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the pasta sit in the slow cooker for 5 minutes after cooking to absorb excess liquid.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for variety.
