Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

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Creamy, dreamy, and absolutely comforting—this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli brings together tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and fresh broccoli florets all wrapped in a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, offering hearty portions and unbeatable flavor with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers every time.

Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly juicy while the Alfredo sauce thickens and absorbs all the savory goodness. The addition of broccoli not only introduces a pop of color and texture, but it also adds a dose of nutrition to balance out the richness. This is comfort food with a touch of freshness—an ideal option for a cozy weeknight dinner or an easy Sunday meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

• Effortless cooking: Just toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it do the work.
• Perfectly tender chicken every time without the risk of overcooking.
• Balanced flavor with the creamy Alfredo paired with crisp-tender broccoli.
• Family favorite that both adults and kids will devour.
• Great for leftovers and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (In this headline mention the essential Tools and Equipment, also the importance of Each Tool)

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): This is the star tool of the recipe. A 6-quart size works best for even cooking and space to stir. The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken while melding all the ingredients for a deep, creamy flavor.
• Cutting Board & Knife: To prep the chicken breast and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key for a well-balanced Alfredo sauce.
• Tongs or Wooden Spoon: To mix everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
• Small Pot (Optional): If you prefer to steam the broccoli separately before adding for better texture.

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Preparation Tips

Use fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender texture. Cut them into uniform cubes to ensure they cook evenly. If you want a brighter green and slightly firmer broccoli bite, steam it separately and stir it in at the end. Avoid using frozen broccoli from the start—it tends to get mushy after hours in the slow cooker. Stir the Alfredo sauce halfway through if possible to prevent any sticking at the edges. Lastly, wait until the last 20–30 minutes to add the cooked pasta to keep it from turning overly soft.

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Ingredients for this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta (cooked and drained)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Base

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to help the seasonings coat evenly. This initial step ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout the slow cook.

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Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Add the seasoned chicken into the bottom of the Crock Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Gently stir to combine without displacing the chicken too much. Secure the lid and set your slow cooker to LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.

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Step 3: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the chicken is cooking, boil the fettuccine pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Cooking the pasta separately ensures it doesn’t get overcooked and mushy in the Crock Pot.

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Step 4: Add Broccoli

About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, stir in the broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, this will give it enough time to soften slightly while retaining texture. For firmer broccoli, steam it separately and stir in just before serving.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Finish Cooking

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli has softened, stir in the cooked fettuccine. Mix everything well so the pasta absorbs the Alfredo sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes to bring everything together and thicken slightly.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the creamy Alfredo pasta onto plates or bowls. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for best results.

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Notes

For a richer sauce, you can replace part of the chicken broth with more heavy cream. Using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded helps the sauce melt more smoothly and enhances flavor. If you want to make this dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a smaller amount of cheese—just note the sauce won’t be quite as thick. Always taste and adjust salt at the end, especially if using store-bought broth, which may already contain sodium.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the broccoli: Adding broccoli too early in the slow cooking process can cause it to become mushy. Add it toward the end or steam separately.
• Using dry pasta in the Crock Pot: Uncooked pasta added directly to the slow cooker can result in an uneven, sticky mess. Always cook it separately.
• Not seasoning the chicken beforehand: Skipping this step can lead to bland results. Seasoning before slow cooking helps infuse flavor.
• Adding cheese too early: While it’s tempting to add everything at once, some cheese can be reserved until the end to prevent separation or clumping.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it gently over medium heat or in the microwave. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—store in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Cholesterol: 135mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but it’s best to add it toward the end of the cooking process to avoid it turning to mush. Thaw and drain before adding.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine is traditional, but penne or rotini can also work. Use sturdy pasta that holds up to creamy sauces.

Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, substitute the pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles and reduce the broccoli quantity if needed.

Can I cook the entire dish on HIGH?

Yes, cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, but LOW is preferred for juicier chicken and better sauce development.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Avoid boiling the sauce. Keep it on LOW, and stir occasionally. Use full-fat dairy ingredients for best results.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes pair well. Add them based on their cooking time.

How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Let it sit uncovered for the last 10 minutes, or stir in extra Parmesan cheese. A cornstarch slurry can also work.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are usually a hit with picky eaters.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is the definition of weeknight comfort food made easy. With simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping, this slow cooker favorite will have everyone asking for seconds. Make it once, and it’s bound to become part of your regular rotation.

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