There’s something incredibly comforting about creamy pasta that cooks itself all day in the background. The BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe delivers rich, smoky flavors with tender chicken and that dreamy alfredo creaminess—it’s a perfect weeknight winner that almost feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe more times than I can count because it just hits the spot every single time. The ease of tossing ingredients in the crock pot and letting it do its magic is a game changer, plus the smoky BBQ twist takes traditional Alfredo to a whole new level.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it—perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal effort.
- Unique Flavor Combo: The rich creaminess of Alfredo paired with tangy BBQ sauce creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to adjust for what you have on hand or dietary preferences without losing that delicious vibe.
- Family Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, it appeals to both kids and adults—a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe brings its own charm, contributing to layers of flavor and luscious texture. Here’s why they’re all essential and a few tips for picking the right ones.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook up tender without much fuss, soaking in all the flavors as they slow-cook.
- Chicken broth: Adds necessary moisture and depth to the sauce without overpowering the dish.
- Butter: Cubed to melt evenly, it makes the sauce velvety and rich.
- Chopped garlic: A flavor powerhouse that balances the creaminess with a bit of bite.
- Salt and pepper: Basics that highlight every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Spaghetti noodles: Breaking these in half helps them cook evenly inside the crock pot.
- Heavy cream: The secret to lush, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for that tangy, smoky zing.
- Shredded parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the sauce.
- Bacon: Crispy bits chopped in to give bursts of smoky, crunchy delight throughout.
Make It Your Way
I love making this recipe my own depending on what mood I’m in or what pantry staples I have. It’s surprisingly forgiving, so don’t hesitate to swap or add your favorites to make it truly yours.
- Variation: For a little kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes when adding the BBQ sauce—I like the smoky heat it brings.
- Dietary twist: Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Seasonal upgrade: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the last few minutes for extra veggies and color.
- Cheese swap: Try a smoky gouda blend in place of parmesan for a deeper flavor profile.
Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Flavors
Start by generously spraying your crock pot with cooking spray—this helps prevent sticking later. Place the chicken breasts evenly on the bottom, then pour in the chicken broth. Scatter the cubed butter on top, followed by the chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. The layering is crucial because as the butter melts, it infuses the broth and chicken with richness that’s hard to beat.
Step 2: Let the Crock Pot Work Its Magic
Seal your crock pot with the lid and set it to HIGH. After about two hours, your chicken should be perfectly tender. Carefully lift the chicken out with tongs and set aside on a cutting board—don’t rush this because the juices inside keep it moist and delicious for the next step.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Creamy Sauce
Break the spaghetti noodles in half before dropping them into the pot so they cook evenly. Pour in the heavy cream and BBQ sauce, then stir gently to combine all the flavors. Put the lid back on and continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through at around 15 minutes to keep noodles from sticking.
Step 4: Finish with Chicken, Cheese, and Bacon
While your pasta cooks, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the spaghetti is done, throw the sliced chicken, shredded parmesan, and chopped bacon into the crock pot. Stir everything well, then cover and let it cook for another 15 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve It Up Warm and Gooey
Just before serving, I like to drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle some more crispy bacon on top—it amps up the presentation and taste. Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy the creamy, smoky goodness you just created.
Top Tip
From countless times making this recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help it turn out perfectly every time, especially if you’re new to slow cooker pasta dishes.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Cubes: Adding butter in cubes rather than melted helps it melt gradually and integrate better, giving your sauce its creamy richness.
- Break Pasta in Half: This simple step makes a big difference by helping spaghetti cook evenly and fully inside the crock pot’s round shape.
- Stir Midway: Stir the noodles at around 15 minutes to prevent clumping; this keeps the texture just right.
- Use Tongs to Remove Chicken: Lifting the chicken out carefully lets you slice without shredding and retains juiciness, improving the final dish’s texture.
How to Serve BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with extra crispy bacon pieces and a light drizzle of BBQ sauce for visual appeal and that punch of smoky flavor. Sometimes a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since the BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti is so rich and filling, I like to serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten things up. Garlic bread or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also pair wonderfully and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this dish in individual mini crock pots right at the table—it’s such a fun surprise and keeps the pasta warm for guests. Another time, I layered it in a large casserole dish topped with extra cheese and baked for a bubbly finish that everyone loved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it down quickly before refrigerating to keep the creamy texture from getting grainy. When ready to eat, just reheat gently.
Freezing
While I don’t usually freeze this pasta because of the cream sauce, if you want to, freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat low and slow to help the sauce come back together as much as possible.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is covered in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently so it heats evenly and creamy goodness stays intact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it will increase the cooking time by about 30 to 45 minutes. Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and cooked through before adding the noodles and cream to avoid undercooked pasta or chicken.
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce complements the creamy alfredo base perfectly. I prefer a hickory or mesquite-flavored sauce but feel free to use any variety you like. Just avoid ones that are too spicy unless you want a strong heat variance.
You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit can add texture and body that helps replace the meatiness.
Breaking the spaghetti in half before adding and stirring halfway through cooking are both key steps I follow to keep the pasta from clumping or getting mushy. Also, using the HIGH setting rather than low helps the noodles cook evenly and faster, avoiding that overcooked texture.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe isn’t just comfort food—it’s a little celebration of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m sharing a cozy moment with friends, even if it’s just with myself after a busy day. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new go-to for effortless, indulgent dinners that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot 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
This Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken breasts, rich Alfredo sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, and bacon, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for a comforting dinner that requires minimal hands-on time.
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 and for easy cleanup.
- Cook Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Add chicken broth, cubed butter, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Remove Chicken: After 2 hours, use tongs to carefully transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board. Set aside to rest.
- Add Spaghetti and Sauces: 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.
- Cook Spaghetti: Return the lid to the pot and continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes. Stir the spaghetti gently once around the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking.
- Slice Chicken: While the spaghetti cooks, slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: After the spaghetti has cooked for 30 minutes, add the sliced chicken, shredded parmesan cheese, and chopped cooked bacon to the Crock Pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Final Cooking: Cover the pot again and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Serve: Just before serving, top with additional BBQ sauce and extra cooked bacon if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and more flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier BBQ flavor, choose a spicy BBQ sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure spaghetti noodles are fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using a salty BBQ sauce or broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
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