Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This slow cooker creamy chicken Alfredo pasta is a twist on the classic recipe, perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty meal without much effort. The slow cooker takes care of the chicken and sauce while you prepare the pasta in the rice cooker or stovetop. It’s a comforting dish that’s rich and creamy!

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or thighs for a more tender option)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta (or your choice of pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice into strips.
2. Slow Cook: In the slow cooker, add the chicken, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and set the slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Thicken Sauce: When the chicken is fully cooked and tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 20-30 minutes on low to thicken the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.

Rice Cooker Instructions for Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking in the slow cooker, add water and a pinch of salt to the rice cooker.
2. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the rice cooker’s instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

Assemble and Serve:

1. Once the pasta is cooked and the chicken is tender in the slow cooker, toss the pasta with the creamy chicken sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Additional Variations:

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Alfredo
   Swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier and more tender version. Chicken thighs work great in slow cooker recipes as they retain moisture and become more flavorful.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Alfredo
   If you prefer chicken breasts, the slow cooker will still keep them tender and flavorful, but you may need to shred them after cooking for a more traditional Alfredo experience.
3. Beef Stroganoff Slow Cooker Recipe
   For a beef version, use beef stew meat or ground beef, and follow the same slow cooker process. Serve over egg noodles for a hearty meal.
4. Vegetarian Slow Cooker Alfredo
   For a vegetarian version, use plant-based cream and vegetable broth. You can add mushrooms and spinach for extra flavor.
5. Ground Beef Slow Cooker Alfredo
   Ground beef can be a great alternative if you want a meaty twist. Brown the ground beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with the cream and Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions:

• Crock Pot Pork Roast: Pair this creamy pasta with a tender slow-cooked pork roast for a satisfying family meal.
• Slow Cooker Soup Recipes: Start with a light slow-cooked vegetable soup as an appetizer to balance the richness of the Alfredo pasta.
• Dump and Go Slow Cooker: For an effortless dinner, simply dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker and set it to cook while you relax or prep the sides.