As crisp winds signal the arrival of colder days, our thoughts inevitably turn to the comforting embrace of hearty meals. There’s something uniquely satisfying about a warm bowl of soup, a robust stew, or a bubbling casserole, each designed to nourish the soul and warm you from the inside out. Among these beloved cold-weather staples, our Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Stew stands out as the ultimate winter comfort food, combining classic flavors with effortless preparation.
Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Stew: Your Go-To Winter Comfort Meal
Imagine coming home after a long, chilly day to the inviting aroma of a delicious meal that’s cooked itself. This is the magic of slow cooking, and it’s perfectly encapsulated in our Chicken Alfredo Stew recipe. The harmonious blend of rich Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying potatoes creates a dish that feels both familiar and indulgent. It’s a meal that promises warmth, flavor, and a moment of pure relaxation, all without the last-minute rush of traditional dinner prep.
Why Choose Slow Cooking for Your Alfredo Stew?
The slow cooker isn’t just a kitchen appliance; it’s a culinary assistant that transforms mealtime into a stress-free experience. For a dish like this Chicken Alfredo Stew, the benefits are particularly pronounced:
- Unmatched Convenience: Simply add your ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it. Your slow cooker handles the rest, allowing you to focus on your day without worrying about dinner.
- Deep Flavor Development: Low and slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, the potatoes absorb the creamy sauce, and all the flavors deepen and intensify over hours, resulting in a more complex and satisfying stew.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. A bit of chopping and mixing, and your work is essentially done.
- Consistent Results: Slow cookers are renowned for producing reliably tender meats and perfectly cooked vegetables, making them ideal for stews and comfort food.
There’s no need to stress over getting dinner done when all you really want to do is kick off your shoes, put on your comfy clothes, and unwind. With this recipe, you can turn on your favorite show and relax, knowing a delightful meal awaits you.
The Irresistible Allure of Chicken Alfredo Stew
Alfredo sauce is a beloved classic, known for its creamy, rich, and savory profile. When combined with succulent chicken and hearty potatoes, it transforms into a comforting stew that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when the weather calls for something extra special. This particular stew takes the familiar flavors of Chicken Alfredo and reinterprets them in a robust, warming format. The sauce, thickened slightly by the potatoes and vegetables, coats every bite with its velvety goodness, making each spoonful a pure delight.
Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing for guests, or simply craving a satisfying meal for yourself, this stew delivers. Its universal appeal makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its ease of preparation makes it a weeknight hero. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Stew
Crafting the perfect stew begins with understanding each component. Here’s a closer look at the essential ingredients and why they work so well in this slow cooker recipe:
- Alfredo Sauce: The star of the show. While homemade Alfredo is always an option, a good quality jarred Alfredo sauce provides incredible convenience without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for slow cooker recipes.
- Water: This thins the sauce slightly, ensuring there’s enough liquid for the ingredients to cook thoroughly and preventing the stew from becoming too thick too quickly. It also helps to distribute the flavors.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, versatile, and absorbs flavors beautifully. Cutting them into strips or chunks ensures they cook evenly and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker. Chicken thighs can also be used for an even richer flavor.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes add a wonderful heartiness and texture to the stew. Varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well as they hold their shape without becoming overly mushy, while still releasing starch to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Onion: A foundational aromatic that adds depth and savory notes. Diced onions soften and sweeten as they cook, complementing the other flavors.
- Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn) are a convenient way to add color, nutrients, and texture. Feel free to customize with your favorites, such as broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or spinach added towards the end.
- Basil (Dried): A classic Italian herb that enhances the creamy, savory notes of the Alfredo sauce. Dried basil releases its flavors slowly, perfect for long cooking times.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into balance. Adjust to your taste, remembering that flavors can intensify during slow cooking.
If you’re looking to make this stew even more substantial and satisfying, adding pasta is an excellent idea. Small shell pasta, macaroni, or ditalini are all fantastic choices that integrate well into the creamy base. The key is to add the pasta during the final stages of cooking, ensuring it cooks to al dente perfection and absorbs the rich flavors of the stew without becoming overcooked or mushy. Always ensure you have sufficient liquid to cook the pasta thoroughly; if the stew seems too thick, a little extra water or broth can be added.
Tips for Success and Recipe Variations
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
- Garlic: While not explicitly listed, a clove or two of minced garlic added with the onion can significantly elevate the savory profile of the stew.
- Cheese Boost: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- A Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the basil to provide a subtle warmth.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving adds a vibrant burst of color and a fresh aroma.
Serving Suggestions
This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Stew is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the stew. Check out these sides for stew for more ideas!
- Garlic Bread: An absolute classic pairing with any Alfredo dish, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead & Storage
This stew is fantastic for meal prepping! It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for leftovers. Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker
For this recipe, and indeed for most slow cooker dishes, we highly recommend using a Crockpot that features a digital timer. This modern convenience allows you to set a precise cooking duration, after which the slow cooker automatically switches to a “warm” setting. This feature is invaluable, providing peace of mind that your meal will cook perfectly without overcooking, and will remain warm until you’re ready to serve, no matter when you arrive home. Look for models with capacities around 6-7 quarts, which are versatile enough for family meals and leftovers.
Explore More Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Stew, you’ll be thrilled to discover our other popular slow cooker soup recipes:
- Bacon Corn Chowder
- Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Crock Pot Potato Soup
- Crock Pot Vegetable Soup
Be sure to check out our entire collection of Slow Cooker Soup recipes for more inspiration!
Are you a fan of creating delicious meals with minimal effort? Dive into our extensive recipe categories, including delightful copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and even more incredible CrockPot Recipes.
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Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Stew
How to make delicious Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Stew in the Slow cooker.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 265 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 16 oz Alfredo sauce
- ¾ Cup Water
- 2 large Chicken Breast, cut into strips
- 4 C Potatoes, diced
- ½ Onion, diced
- 2 C Frozen Vegetables
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the alfredo sauce, water, and basil.
- Line the bottom of the slow cooker bowl with HALF the potatoes and onions.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Lay the chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Cover the chicken strips with the frozen vegetables.
- Add HALF the alfredo sauce mixture.
- Lay the remaining potatoes and onions on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining sauce mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition Facts
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Stew
Amount Per Serving: Calories 265 | Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
- Fat 15g (23%)
- Saturated Fat 7g (44%)
- Cholesterol 98mg (33%)
- Sodium 1013mg (44%)
- Potassium 421mg (12%)
- Carbohydrates 12g (4%)
- Fiber 3g (13%)
- Sugar 2g (2%)
- Protein 21g (42%)
- Vitamin A 3112IU (62%)
- Vitamin C 8mg (10%)
- Calcium 21mg (2%)
- Iron 1mg (6%)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Recipe originally shared on November 15, 2016. Updated October 2020.