If you love classic Italian-American pasta that’s creamy and family-friendly, try “Slow Simmered Creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo.” It’s incredibly easy to make at home, perfect for a crockpot comfort dinner.
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Slow Simmered Creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo : Crockpot Comfort Dinner
If you’re craving easy, restaurant-style comfort food with minimal effort, Crockpot Chicken Alfredo remains a favorite among Americans. This is a slow-cooked version of the classic Italian-American Alfredo pasta.
It’s a rich, creamy, and family-friendly meal that’s easily made in the slow cooker.
A Slow Simmered Creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, potlucks, and a cozy Sunday dinner.
The crockpot slowly cooks the chicken until tender, while allowing the flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and cream to slowly develop in depth. This article includes all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions, along with some expert tips and storage tips, and finally, answers to any questions you might have.
Why Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a favorite:
- Gives this recipe a rich, creamy texture without constant stirring
- Easy to cook hands-free with minimal preparation
- Great for meal-prep and leftovers
- Easy to customize with vegetables or protein swaps
- Perfect for busy families and those new to cooking
All ingredients needed (serves 5 to 6):
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups heavy cream, grated. 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, optional for added heat
- 3/4 teaspoon salt to taste
Serving Ingredients:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- An extra can of Parmesan cheese
- 16 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Kitchen Essentials:
- Spoon and cup measure
- 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker
- Sharp knife
- Pasta pot
- Cutting board
Slow-simmered creamy Tuscan chicken Alfredo, step-by-step instructions on how to make it
1. Preparing the Chicken
- First, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then lightly season both sides with pepper, salt, and paprika, making it easy to create a great flavor from the start.
2. Easy Coating in the Crockpot
- Now place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot,
- Add finely chopped butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth.
- Be sure to pour heavy cream evenly over the chicken.
- Don’t add anything else yet to prevent the chicken from bursting.
3. Cooking
Continue cooking on low heat until cooked through.
Cover the crockpot with a lid:
- On the high setting: Cook for 3 to 4 hours.
- On the low setting: Cook for 5 to 6 hours.
- Your chicken should be tender and easily shredded.
4. Shredding or Slicing the Chicken
- Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it,
- shred it with two forks or slice it into strips, then
- return it to the crockpot.
5. Adding the Parmesan Cheese
- Reduce the heat of your crockpot to low.
- Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
- Continue cooking uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
6. Cooking the Pasta Separately
- First, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, according to the instructions on the pasta packet. Then, drain thoroughly to enhance the texture of your recipe.
7. Mixing and Serving
- Place the cooked pasta in the crockpot or serve the Alfredo sauce on a pasta plate.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Slow-simmered creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo is ready, ready to enjoy.
Some great pro tips for the best crockpot Alfredo:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer consistency, not pre-shredded.
- Toast the garlic beforehand for a richer flavor.
- Pasta should always be cooked separately to prevent stickiness.
- Avoid boiling the sauce; it won’t separate on low heat.
- When your sauce becomes too thick, add a little milk.
Add-ins and some variation suggestions – optional:
For vegetable add-ins:
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Broccoli florets
- Spinach
For a protein variation:
- Shrimp, add in the last 25 minutes
- Turkey breast
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Add a tablespoon of butter for a lighter consistency. Use half and half instead of heavy cream.
Storing and reheating:
Here are some great storage tips for this slow simmered creamy Tuscan chicken Alfredo:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing: For a smoother texture, refrigerate the sauce without the pasta and use within 2 months.
To reheat:
- Add milk or cream if you want the creaminess back.
- You can reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Slow Simmered Creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo, per serving may vary:
- Protein – 38g
- Sodium – 620g
- Calories – 610
- Carbohydrate – 28g
- Fat – 42g
Perfect Occasions to Serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo:
- Meal-Prep Lunch
- Potluck Gathering
- Weeknight Family Dinner
- Comfort Food Cravings
- Game Day Meal
FAQ
Answers to questions about Slow Simmered Creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo and how to fix mistakes:
Q. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
No, using only milk is not recommended, as it can curdle. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half.
Q. Can I put raw chicken directly into the crockpot?
Yes! This crockpot chicken Alfredo is designed for raw chicken and slow cooking.
Q. Why does Alfredo sauce separate?
Separation can occur if you cook it on high heat or use pre-shredded cheese. Always use low heat and fresh Parmesan, which makes for a better crockpot comfort dinner.
Q. Can I make crockpot comfort dinners in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then refrigerate and add the pasta before serving.
Q. Is Crockpot Chicken Alfredo gluten-free?
If you want to make the dish and sauce completely gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
Q. Can I double the Slow Simmered Creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo?
Yes! But your crockpot needs to be large enough—8 quarts is recommended.
Q. What is the best pasta for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
Fettuccine is a classic, but rotini, penne, or linguine also work well. You can use any.
Final Thoughts
Slow Simmered Creamy Tuscan Chicken Alfredo proves that making amazing comfort food doesn’t have to be difficult. With just a few essential ingredients and a crockpot, you can easily create a restaurant-style Alfredo dinner that’s satisfying, rich, and a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking to feed a home-cooked meal on a busy day or want to plan meals for the week, this recipe delivers a lot of flavor with minimal effort, making it a sure-fire favorite. This crockpot comfort dinner is a classic American slow-cooker classic.