Imagine tender chicken, smoky BBQ flavor, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all mingling in a cozy crock pot. That’s exactly what Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti delivers. Every bite is indulgent, cheesy, and comforting, with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
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This is one of those dishes that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion. The best part? Your crock pot does most of the work while you relax. By dinnertime, your house will smell irresistible, and your family or friends will be ready to dive in.
Recipe Origin
This recipe is a mashup of classic comfort foods: creamy Alfredo, hearty spaghetti, tender chicken, and tangy BBQ. Inspired by the slow-cooking magic of crock pots, it’s designed to combine these flavors effortlessly while keeping the chicken moist and the sauce silky. Think of it as a hearty Italian-American comfort dish with a BBQ twist—a game-changer for anyone who loves pasta with bold flavors.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker
- Knife & cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for Parmesan)
Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and smoky pasta dish where tender chicken is slow-cooked with garlic, butter, heavy cream, BBQ sauce, and Parmesan, then tossed with spaghetti and topped with crispy bacon for an irresistible comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
- Optional toppings: additional BBQ sauce, additional cooked and chopped bacon
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper into a crock pot.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken from crock pot and shred with two forks.
- Add heavy cream, BBQ sauce, and Parmesan to the crock pot and stir until smooth.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions, then drain and add to the crock pot, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Return shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix well with the pasta and sauce.
- Top with cooked chopped bacon and additional BBQ sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use a good quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid overcooking when mixed with the sauce.
- For extra creaminess, add a bit more Parmesan or heavy cream to taste.
- Optional: garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti
Easy Weeknight Meal
Dump everything in the crock pot and let it cook while you tackle your day.
Flavor-Packed
The combination of BBQ sauce, garlic, butter, and Parmesan makes every bite rich, creamy, and smoky.
Hands-Off Cooking
No stirring, no fuss—perfect for busy schedules or lazy nights.
Comfort Food Classic
It’s cheesy, saucy, and satisfying—like a hug on a plate.
Crowd-Pleasing
Kids and adults alike will love this pasta. Serve it at family dinners or potlucks, and it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use chicken breasts that are similar in size: Ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overcook spaghetti: Add noodles near the end to avoid mushiness.
- Stir halfway: Helps evenly distribute sauce and flavors.
- Add toppings just before serving: Extra BBQ sauce and bacon give a burst of flavor.
- Use shredded Parmesan: It melts more evenly into the creamy sauce.
Ingredients in Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti
Here’s what makes this dish irresistible. (Note: the full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card above.)
Chicken Breasts
Tender, juicy chicken absorbs all the flavors of the sauce.
Chicken Broth
Keeps chicken moist and adds depth to the creamy sauce.
Butter
Adds richness and helps build a smooth, velvety sauce.
Garlic
Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that complements the BBQ.
Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Spaghetti Noodles
Hearty pasta that soaks up all the creamy BBQ sauce.
Heavy Cream
Creates a rich, indulgent base for the Alfredo sauce.
BBQ Sauce
Adds smoky sweetness and tang that elevates the dish.
Parmesan Cheese
Shredded Parmesan melts into the sauce for cheesiness and depth.
Bacon
Cooked and chopped bacon adds crunch, smokiness, and flavor.
Optional Toppings
Extra BBQ sauce or more bacon make this dish even more irresistible.
Instructions
Here’s how to bring this comforting dish together:
Prep the Crock Pot
Spray the crock pot with non-stick spray or lightly butter the base to prevent sticking.
Add Chicken and Seasonings
Place chicken breasts in the crock pot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped garlic. Dot with cubes of butter.
Pour in Liquids
Add chicken broth and BBQ sauce. Stir gently to combine, making sure chicken is coated.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred Chicken
Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to mix with sauce.
Add Pasta and Cream
Pour in heavy cream and uncooked spaghetti. Push noodles down so they’re submerged in sauce. Cover and cook for 20–30 minutes on high, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and creamy.
Add Cheese and Bacon
Stir in shredded Parmesan and cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
Spoon onto plates or into bowls, drizzle with additional BBQ sauce, sprinkle extra bacon, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4–6
Calories per serving: ~550–600 (approximate, depending on cream, bacon, and pasta amount)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time: 4–5 hours
How to Serve Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- With Salad: A crisp green salad balances richness.
- As a Party Dish: Serve in a large crock pot at potlucks for easy self-serve.
- With Roasted Veggies: Adds color and nutrients to the plate.
- For Meal Prep: Pack into containers for a ready-to-eat dinner.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Sauce and cooked chicken can be prepared a day ahead; add pasta just before cooking for freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen sauce.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot BBQ sauce.
- Cheese Lover’s: Stir in mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or mushrooms before cooking pasta.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti.
- Bacon Twist: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Additional Tips
- Use a good-quality BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Don’t overcook pasta; it should be tender but not mushy.
- Save some bacon for garnish to add crunch and visual appeal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, they stay moist and tender, just adjust cooking time if needed.
Q2: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A2: Yes! Cook on high pressure for 15–20 minutes, then add pasta and cream.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A3: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream and skip Parmesan.
Q4: Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
A4: Absolutely, then add pasta and chicken when ready to serve.
Q5: How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
A5: Stir occasionally and ensure noodles are submerged in sauce while cooking.
Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?
A6: Cooked pasta can be frozen, but the creamy sauce may separate. Best eaten fresh.
Q7: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A7: Yes, just adjust cook time according to package instructions.
Q8: Can I make it spicier?
A8: Add hot BBQ sauce, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
Q9: How many servings does this recipe make?
A9: 4–6 servings depending on portion size.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just ensure your crock pot is large enough and adjust cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Crock Pot BBQ Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti is comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and utterly satisfying. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy days, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy, flavorful dinner, this dish delivers every time. Serve it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies and enjoy the ooey-gooey, saucy goodness that only a crock pot can bring. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation!