Imagine coming home to a creamy, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth pasta dish that practically cooks itself while you're out. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe—it’s comfort food that’s effortless to make and endlessly satisfying.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is my go-to for when I want a rich, flavorful meal with as little kitchen time as possible. It blends two favorites—BBQ tanginess and creamy Alfredo—into one dreamy pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting so you can focus on other things or just relax.
- Unique Flavor Fusion: The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce adds a lovely twist to traditional Alfredo creaminess.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone I’ve served this to has asked for seconds, even picky eaters come around!
- Easy Cleanup: Minimal pots and pans means less mess, which I always appreciate after a hearty meal.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe plays a part in creating something magical. From the tender chicken to the luscious cream and tangy BBQ sauce, these flavors come together to create a comforting yet exciting meal. Here are some quick notes on what you’ll want to look out for when you shop:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They cook evenly and shred nicely in the crock pot, soaking up all that saucy goodness.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Butter: Adds richness, helping to build that classic Alfredo creaminess.
- Chopped garlic: A little punch of flavor that makes the sauce sing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- Spaghetti noodles: Broken in half, they cook perfectly right in the crock pot without getting mushy.
- Heavy cream: This is the heart of the Alfredo sauce, making it silky and luscious.
- BBQ sauce: The star twist—choose a good quality one with your favorite flavor profile, smoky or sweet.
- Shredded parmesan: Adds tangy, cheesy depth that elevates the sauce.
- Bacon strips: Cooked and chopped, they bring smoky crunch that’s just irresistible.
Make It Your Way
I love how this recipe is a blank canvas for your own tastes. Sometimes I swap in smoked gouda for the parmesan to add an even smokier vibe, or toss in some diced red bell pepper for a pop of color and sweetness. Don’t be shy about tweaking the BBQ sauce amount if you want it more or less tangy.
- Variation: Once, I stirred in some sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra veggies—even my kids didn’t complain! It adds nice texture along with some greens.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Set Up and Slow Cook the Chicken
First, give your crock pot a good spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then lay the chicken breasts in a single layer right in the bottom—that helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Pour in the chicken broth, scatter the butter cubes over the top, sprinkle in the chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Put on the lid and let it cook on HIGH for about 2 hours. This slow cook method ensures the chicken comes out juicy and flavorful without drying out.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Creamy Sauces
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it with tongs and place it on a cutting board to rest. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and toss them into the crock pot. Pour in the heavy cream and BBQ sauce, stir gently, and pop the lid back on. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, making sure to stir about halfway through to keep the noodles from sticking. This is where the magic happens—the noodles soak up all those rich flavors while cooking tender.
Step 3: Final Touches and Serving
While the spaghetti is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. When the noodles are perfectly tender, add the sliced chicken back into the pot along with the shredded parmesan and chopped bacon. Give everything a good stir, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes to let the cheese melt and flavors meld. Just before serving, you can drizzle additional BBQ sauce and sprinkle more bacon if you like that extra punch.
Top Tip
Making this Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has been so rewarding for me, especially because a few small tweaks really take it to the next level. Here are the key things I’ve learned that guarantee success:
- Chicken Placement: Make sure the chicken lays flat and in one layer so it cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Stir Pasta Halfway: Don’t skip that mid-cook stir—no one wants clumpy or stuck-together noodles.
- Use Quality BBQ Sauce: A flavorful sauce makes all the difference; try a smoky or spicy one to complement the creaminess.
- Don’t Overcook Spaghetti: Watch your cooking times carefully—overdone pasta turns mushy, and I’ve definitely been there before.
How to Serve Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top mine with a little extra chopped cooked bacon and a drizzle of BBQ sauce right before serving—it adds that irresistible crunch and extra tang that pulls the whole dish together. Sometimes, I throw on a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten it up visually and add a touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
This goes great with a simple crisp green salad or roasted seasonal veggies to balance the richness. A crusty garlic bread is another favorite that I find hard to resist—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this in a beautiful large casserole dish garnished with fresh herbs and extra crispy bacon strips arranged on top. It instantly makes it look extra festive and feels a bit more “wow” for guests without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious lunch the next day. Just remember to store it without extra garnishes to keep bacon crispy until you reheat.
Freezing
While I haven’t tried freezing the finished dish often because it disappears so quickly, the components freeze well separately. Cooked chicken freezes beautifully, and you can freeze the sauce base too. Just thaw and mix together for a quick reheat meal in a pinch.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stirring occasionally ensures the pasta doesn’t dry out and keeps everything creamy and comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! I’ve swapped in penne and fettuccine with great results. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different pastas may vary.
In this recipe, the chicken cooks first on its own to ensure it's tender and fully cooked before adding the pasta. It helps prevent overcooking the noodles since the chicken’s cooking time is longer.
You can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use a vegan cheese substitute. Just note the flavors will shift a bit, but it’s still delicious!
I recommend a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce—something with good depth but not overpowering heat. If you like it spicier, go for a chipotle or spicy variety. Just adjust according to your taste!
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, tasty, and just downright comforting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend with friends, I know I can count on this dish to please the crowd and fill the house with delicious aromas. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker meal!
Print
Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti combining tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce with a smoky BBQ twist, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and crispy bacon for a delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup butter, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups heavy cream
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded parmesan
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
Optional Toppings
- Additional BBQ sauce
- Additional cooked and chopped bacon
Instructions
- Prepare Crock Pot: Spray the inside of the Crock Pot well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Add chicken broth, butter cubes, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper on top. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Remove and Slice Chicken: After 2 hours, use tongs to transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Set aside while you proceed with the next steps.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the Crock Pot. Pour in the heavy cream and BBQ sauce. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Cook Pasta: Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, stirring the spaghetti once halfway through at around 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Slice Chicken: While the spaghetti cooks, slice the previously cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: After the 30 minutes cooking time, add the sliced chicken, shredded parmesan, and chopped bacon into the pot. Stir everything well to combine.
- Final Cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with additional BBQ sauce and chopped bacon for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy BBQ Alfredo chicken spaghetti!
Notes
- Breaking spaghetti noodles in half helps them fit better and cook evenly in the Crock Pot.
- Make sure to stir the pasta halfway through cooking to avoid clumping or sticking.
- Use cooked bacon to add a smoky crunch; feel free to substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantity according to your preferred sweetness and smoky flavor level.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- For a lower fat version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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