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Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti transforms classic comfort food into a slow cooker masterpiece with tender chunks of chicken breast, smoky bacon, and a creamy garlic parmesan alfredo kissed by barbecue sauce. It is the kind of pasta dish that disappears quickly at the table and delivers layers of savory flavor with almost no hands-on work.
I first threw this together on a weekend when my kids wanted something cozy but different and now it is the most requested pasta in our house for movie night.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump and pink pieces for the best texture
- Chicken broth: Use low sodium to control seasoning and keep flavors bright
- Butter: Choose real unsalted butter for richer flavor
- Chopped garlic: Freshly chopped garlic brings real depth to the sauce
- Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution
- Pepper: Freshly ground if possible for maximum aroma
- Spaghetti noodles: Classic pasta holds up well in the slow cooker and soaks up sauce
- Heavy cream: Look for cream with a high butterfat content for a silkier finish
- BBQ sauce: Go for a smoky or hickory style for the most flavor contrast
- Shredded parmesan: Use a wedge and grate yourself for better melting and bold flavor
- Bacon: Cook until crisp then chop Bite sized pieces add smoky crunch throughout
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
- Arrange Chicken Base:
- Lay chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the pot then add chicken broth cubed butter chopped garlic salt and pepper around them
- Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Place the lid on and cook on HIGH for two hours The chicken will become juicy and easy to slice
- Remove and Slice Chicken:
- Lift the cooked chicken breasts out onto a cutting board and let them rest before slicing into thick strips so they stay succulent
- Add Pasta and Sauces:
- Break spaghetti noodles in half and add to the cooking liquid Pour in the heavy cream and barbecue sauce then stir to mix everything evenly
- Cook the Pasta:
- Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH for another thirty minutes Stir at the halfway mark to prevent noodles from clumping
- Return Chicken and Add Crunch:
- When pasta is cooked stir in the sliced chicken shredded parmesan and chopped bacon so the cheese melts and bacon flavors the whole dish
- Final Heat and Serve:
- Cover again for fifteen minutes to blend the flavors and heat everything through Serve hot topped with extra BBQ sauce or bacon if you like
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I have a real soft spot for the bacon in this recipe There is nothing like that smoky crunch tucked into creamy spaghetti My kids get excited to sprinkle extra pieces on top before I even get it to the table
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently with a splash of extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce If freezing portion the spaghetti and sauce separately for best texture then thaw and reheat together
Ingredient Substitutions
Try rotisserie chicken in place of raw for even faster prep Swap spaghetti for penne or ziti if you like smaller pasta shapes For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream but expect a slightly thinner sauce
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone but you can add a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for color Garlic bread is great for mopping up the last of the sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green
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A Little History
Alfredo sauce started as a simple Roman blend of butter and parmesan and has taken on new life in American kitchens My family started adding BBQ sauce after a backyard cookout and have never looked back That sweet tangy edge wakes up the creamy base in the best way
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes, fettuccine or penne work well and hold the creamy sauce nicely. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different pasta shapes.
- → Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the components ahead and assemble just before serving. Reheat gently for best texture.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Leftover cooked chicken can be used. Simply add with the bacon and Parmesan during the final cooking stage.
- → How spicy is the BBQ Alfredo spaghetti?
The dish is mildly tangy from BBQ sauce but not spicy. For extra heat, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add chili flakes.
- → What toppings complement this pasta dish?
More chopped bacon, extra BBQ sauce, or fresh parsley add flavor and texture. Try a sprinkle of Parmesan for richness.