Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a comforting crockpot chicken broccoli alfredo recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure for busy home cooks.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among vibrant broccoli florets, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let the magic happen in your kitchen.

Creamy sauce coats each morsel with rich, indulgent goodness that feels like a warm hug.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together with just a few smart ingredients.

Savor every luxurious bite of this simple yet impressive dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why Creamy Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe Is So Good

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming dinner into a hands-off culinary experience without constant monitoring.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine beloved ingredients like chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite for any gathering.
  • Nutrition in One Pot: Pack a balanced meal with protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and vitamins from broccoli, creating a complete and wholesome dinner solution in a single dish.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Customize with optional toppings like parsley or extra cheese, allowing flexibility for personal taste preferences and making each serving unique.

Everything You Need For Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and enhances the overall chicken flavor of the dish.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creates a rich and creamy base that coats the chicken and pasta.
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and layers of savory flavor to the entire dish.
Pasta and Vegetable Mix:
  • Penne Pasta: Provides a hearty and filling base that absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Broccoli Florets: Adds a nutritious green vegetable that brings color and texture to the meal.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the dish, creating an extra creamy and cheesy finish.
Optional Garnish:
  • Chopped Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright touch to the finished dish.

Steps To Make Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Bed

Nestle boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Dust the chicken with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Create a flavorful foundation for your meal.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Layer

Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Gently spread Alfredo sauce across the top. Swirl everything together to create a harmonious sauce mixture that will infuse the chicken with rich flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let it simmer for 4 hours, transforming the chicken into tender, succulent morsels that will melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Shred the Protein

Remove the cooked chicken carefully. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into delicate, bite-sized pieces. The meat should separate effortlessly after slow cooking.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add:
  • Uncooked penne pasta
  • Broccoli florets

Stir thoroughly to ensure every morsel gets coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Final Cooking Stage

Cover and continue cooking on low for 30 to 45 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauce and the broccoli to become perfectly tender.

Step 7: Cheese and Garnish

Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and enjoy your ultimate comfort meal!

Tips To Make Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe Better

  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Choose fresh, plump chicken breasts and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Season chicken generously with herbs and spices before slow cooking to enhance overall taste profile.
  • Perfect Pasta Texture: Add pasta near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente consistency.
  • Balance Sauce Thickness: If sauce seems too thick, gradually add extra chicken broth to achieve desired creamy consistency.
  • Quick Vegetable Swap: Replace broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for different nutritional variations.

Try These Ideas With Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or chickpea pasta for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Use cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners to maintain sauce consistency.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, plant-based chicken alternatives, or white beans. Maintain creamy sauce and cooking method while creating a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta. Reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, creamy flavor profile intact.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Add sun-dried tomatoes and swap mozzarella for feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Great Pairings For Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy richness, balancing the dish's heavy texture with its bright, acidic notes.
  • Complement with Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or Italian bread with garlic butter provides a crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy pasta, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to add refreshing acidity and balance the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, providing a palate-cleansing element.
  • Select Herbal Sparkling Water: Choose a lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the dish's richness and providing a refreshing counterpoint.

How To Store Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer the cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Pour the leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or cream to restore moisture.

FAQs About Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  • Is it okay to substitute the type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use other short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar to keep the pasta texture right.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream sauce and vegan cheese to create a dairy-free version.

  • What if I don't have a crockpot?

You can adapt this recipe for a Dutch oven or large pot. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and follow similar cooking times and steps.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot chicken broccoli alfredo offers comfort and convenience in one hearty dish. Cheesy, tender chicken mingles with crisp broccoli florets, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups (420 grams) broccoli florets
  • 2 cups (224 grams) penne pasta
  • 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) jar Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Position chicken breasts in the crockpot and season generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse deep flavor.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, then gently cascade Alfredo sauce on top, stirring to create a harmonious sauce blend.
  3. Secure crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 4 hours, allowing chicken to become supremely tender and juicy.
  4. Extract chicken from crockpot and meticulously shred into delicate, bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  5. Reintroduce shredded chicken to the crockpot, then incorporate uncooked penne pasta and fresh broccoli florets, ensuring complete sauce coverage.
  6. Continue cooking on low for 30-45 minutes, enabling pasta to absorb liquid and broccoli to soften while maintaining optimal texture.
  7. Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, fold in mozzarella cheese until completely melted, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
  8. Garnish with optional chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot, delivering a comforting, restaurant-quality meal directly from your crockpot.

Notes

  • Chicken Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts without excessive fat for the most tender and flavorful result.
  • Seasoning Secret: Adjust Italian seasoning and garlic powder quantities to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Broccoli Texture Tip: Cut broccoli florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Low-Carb Modification: Replace penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star