There’s something so cozy and satisfying about dinner simmering all day in the Crock Pot, and this BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe brings all those comforting vibes with a delicious twist. It’s creamy, tangy, and downright comforting—a perfect one-pot meal that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
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 can’t get over how this BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe perfectly marries smoky BBQ flavors with creamy Alfredo sauce—something I never thought would work until I tried it! Plus, it’s fuss-free, perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.
- Hands-off cooking: Once everything’s in the Crock Pot, it practically cooks itself, giving you time to relax or prep other parts of your day.
- Flavor-packed: The blend of BBQ sauce with creamy Alfredo makes every bite rich and memorable without overwhelming the palate.
- Perfect texture: The spaghetti comes out tender but not mushy—something I always worry about with slow cooker pasta recipes.
- Customizable toppings: Adding extra bacon or BBQ on top elevates the dish and lets you make it exactly how you like it.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a role in balancing smoky, creamy, and savory elements that make this dish unforgettable. Shopping tip? Look for the freshest chicken breasts and get a good quality BBQ sauce you enjoy, because that flavor shines through.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs flavors well and cooks beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory base that keeps the chicken juicy.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps create the creamy sauce texture.
- Chopped garlic: Delivers an aromatic punch that complements the BBQ and Alfredo flavors wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Spaghetti noodles: Breaking them in half helps fit them in the Crock Pot better and cook evenly.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious Alfredo sauce that clings to the pasta and chicken.
- BBQ sauce: Introduces the smoky, tangy element that makes this dish stand out.
- Shredded parmesan: Adds savory depth and melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Bacon strips (cooked and chopped): Crispy texture and smoky flavor enhance the overall dish and give a delightful crunch.
Make It Your Way
I like to tweak this recipe depending on the mood or what I have on hand. The best part about the BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe is it’s forgiving and easy to personalize to your taste or dietary needs.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thighs—they stay juicy and add a bit more flavor. If you like it spicy, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for a kick.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute for a creamy texture without the dairy.
- Vegetable boost: Add sliced mushrooms or spinach during the last cooking phase for some greens that blend seamlessly into the sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Get the base flavors going
Start by spraying your Crock Pot with cooking spray so nothing sticks. Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom—that helps them cook evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, toss in your cubed butter, chopped garlic, and sprinkle the salt and pepper. Pop on the lid and let it cook on high for 2 hours. This slow simmer builds a rich flavor base and tenderizes the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Prep the noodles and creamy sauce
After those 2 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts using tongs and set them aside on a cutting board. Break your spaghetti noodles in half (trust me, they fit better and cook evenly this way) and add them right into the Crock Pot. Pour in the heavy cream and BBQ sauce, then cover and cook on high for 30 minutes. Around the 15-minute mark, give the noodles a gentle stir to prevent sticking and help even cooking.
Step 3: Finish with cheese, chicken, and bacon
While the noodles cook, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. After the 30-minute cook time, toss the sliced chicken back into the pot along with shredded Parmesan and chopped cooked bacon. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 15 minutes with the lid on. This final step melds the flavors and brings the sauce to that rich, creamy consistency you’re craving.
Step 4: Serve and top it your way
Before serving, you can drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle more bacon on top if you want that extra burst of smoky goodness. Grab a fork and enjoy the comforting magic you just created!
Top Tip
I’ve made this BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe multiple times, and I’ve found a few little tricks that keep it delicious every time. These tips have saved me from overcooked noodles and bland sauce—so listen up!
- Use fresh garlic: It makes a huge difference in the depth and aroma of the sauce compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Tongs are your friend: Removing the chicken early prevents it from drying out and allows you to slice it neatly before adding back.
- Stir noodles mid-cook: This little step avoids clumping and ensures even cooking, giving you perfect spaghetti texture.
- Don’t skip the butter: It really brings the Alfredo sauce to life, so use real butter for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
I typically go for crispy chopped bacon and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top because that adds a lovely crunch and a punch of smoky sweetness with every bite. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions also brightens it up visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
To keep it balanced, I love pairing this dish with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread on the side is always a hit, soaking up that creamy BBQ sauce leftover on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve this in individual ramekins or oven-safe dishes topped with extra cheese, then broil them for a couple of minutes to get a bubbly, golden crust. It feels indulgent and makes the meal extra festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, a quick reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop works well, but be sure to add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.
Freezing
Freezing works too! I portion out into freezer-safe containers, but just note that the texture of the pasta might soften a bit after freezing. Still tasty, just slightly different. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on low heat either in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a little milk or broth keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from getting gummy. Sometimes I pop it in the oven covered with foil for gentle warming.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti is great, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and size.
Cooking the pasta for the right amount of time is key—about 30 minutes in this recipe. Stir the noodles halfway through cooking to avoid clumping. Also, adding the noodles after the chicken has cooked helps prevent overcooking.
Yes! You can prep the chicken and even combine the ingredients in the Crock Pot insert and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, just set the Crock Pot to cook as directed. This makes dinnertime a breeze.
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, a little brown sugar, and smoked paprika to mimic BBQ flavors. Or just use your favorite BBQ flavor enhancer or marinade to keep that tasty element.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti in Crock Pot Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals—a dish that’s delicious, hearty, and so surprisingly simple to make. I love how the slow cooker does most of the work while layering flavors for a creamy, smoky, bacon-studded delight. I’m confident you’ll find it just as satisfying as I do, whether for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or whenever you want a little comfort on a plate.
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
Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious and creamy slow-cooked meal combining tender chicken, rich alfredo sauce, smoky BBQ flavor, and crispy bacon with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and uses a crock pot to deliver comforting flavors in a hands-off way, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
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 cheese
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
Optional Toppings
- Additional BBQ sauce
- Additional cooked and chopped bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of the crock pot generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot. Add the chicken broth, cubed butter, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove and Slice Chicken: After 2 hours, use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board. Set aside and begin preparing the pasta in the pot.
- Add Spaghetti to the Crock Pot: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the crock pot with the cooking liquid. Pour in the heavy cream and BBQ sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cover with the lid and continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes, stirring once approximately halfway through the cooking time (around 15 minutes) to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Slice Chicken: While the spaghetti cooks, slice the previously cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Once the spaghetti is cooked, add the sliced chicken, shredded parmesan cheese, and chopped bacon to the crock pot. Stir everything thoroughly to mix the flavors.
- Finish Cooking: Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, top with extra BBQ sauce and more chopped bacon if desired for added flavor and texture. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti!
Notes
- Spraying the crock pot well helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning easier.
- Breaking spaghetti noodles in half helps them fit better in the crock pot and cook evenly.
- Stirring the pasta halfway through cooking prevents clumping and uneven cooking.
- Using cooked bacon adds a smoky crunch; turkey bacon can be substituted for a leaner version.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though consistency will be less rich.
- The BBQ sauce can be adjusted to taste for spice level or sweetness.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before adding pasta to maintain food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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