Weeknight dinners can often feel like a race against the clock, especially when you’re aiming for something both comforting and nutritious.
That’s where this creamy pumpkin chicken alfredo comes in, offering a delicious solution that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together in your slow cooker to create a meal the whole family will love.
This recipe takes the classic alfredo we all adore and infuses it with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, while a secret ingredient—cottage cheese—boosts the protein content, making it incredibly filling without being heavy. Get ready to discover your new go-to crockpot meal that delivers on flavor, convenience, and nutrition.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Alfredo (Slow Cooker)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This slow cooker creamy pumpkin chicken alfredo is a comforting and nutritious weeknight meal. It combines tender chicken with a rich, subtly sweet pumpkin and cheese sauce, boosted with protein from cottage cheese. Easy to prepare and satisfying, it’s perfect for busy families looking for a delicious, hands-off dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. You can leave them whole or cut them into larger pieces if you prefer.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is relatively smooth.
3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the pumpkin mixture. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
4. Pour the seasoned pumpkin and cheese mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with two forks.
6. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy pumpkin sauce.
7. While the chicken is being shredded, cook your fettuccine or preferred pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
8. Add the cooked pasta directly to the slow cooker and toss gently to coat it evenly with the creamy pumpkin chicken alfredo sauce. Alternatively, serve the sauce and chicken over individual portions of pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Category: main dish
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, pumpkin, alfredo, creamy, weeknight, comfort food, easy, dinner, family
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true weeknight hero, designed for busy families and anyone looking for a hearty, wholesome meal without a lot of fuss. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while you tackle other tasks or simply relax. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a hint of pumpkin creates a comforting dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, even picky eaters. The high protein content, thanks to the chicken and cottage cheese, ensures everyone stays full and satisfied, making it an excellent choice after a long day at school or work. Serve it up on a chilly evening for ultimate comfort, or any time you need a dependable, delicious meal that doesn’t require constant attention.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this crockpot meal is straightforward, focusing on pantry staples and fresh chicken. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to create rich flavors with minimal effort. Don’t feel pressured to use specific brands; generic options work just as well here.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (15-ounce) container full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound fettuccine or pasta of choice, cooked according to package directions
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
For simple substitutions, you can easily swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and more tender texture; both work beautifully in the slow cooker. If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. While full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for the creamiest texture, a lower-fat version can be used if preferred, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking; a pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the pumpkin flavor, and a dash of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is a fantastic option for busy days because most of the work is hands-off.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes, depending on your slow cooker setting.
The active preparation time is minimal, allowing you to quickly assemble the ingredients in the morning and return to a fully cooked, delicious meal in the evening. The pasta is cooked separately at the very end, ensuring it’s perfectly al dente when served.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this creamy pumpkin chicken alfredo is incredibly simple, relying on your slow cooker to meld all the flavors together beautifully. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. You can leave them whole or cut them into larger pieces if you prefer.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is relatively smooth. Don’t worry if there are still small curds from the cottage cheese; they will melt into the sauce as it cooks.
- Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the pumpkin mixture. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Pour the seasoned pumpkin and cheese mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with two forks.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy pumpkin sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is being shredded, cook your fettuccine or preferred pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Add the cooked pasta directly to the slow cooker and toss gently to coat it evenly with the creamy pumpkin chicken alfredo sauce. Alternatively, serve the sauce and chicken over individual portions of pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This creamy pumpkin chicken alfredo is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can use smaller pasta shapes like penne or rotini, which are often easier for little ones to eat. You might also consider adding a handful of frozen peas or finely chopped spinach to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a boost of vegetables that blend seamlessly into the sauce.
If you’re looking to add more vegetables, roasted broccoli or asparagus make excellent side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the alfredo. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of warm garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. This dish is also fantastic for potlucks or family gatherings; simply double the recipe and keep it warm in the slow cooker for easy serving. Optional toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds for a textural crunch, a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle heat, or a sprinkle of fresh basil can elevate the presentation and flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for cooked turkey if you have leftovers, making it an even quicker meal.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a straightforward recipe like this, a few common mistakes can impact the final outcome. One frequent error is using pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced, which will drastically alter the flavor profile of your savory alfredo. Always double-check the can label to ensure you’re grabbing pure pumpkin.
Another pitfall can be overcooking the chicken, especially if you’re cooking on the high setting for too long. While slow cookers are forgiving, chicken breasts can become dry and stringy if left for an excessive amount of time. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking window and check for shreddability. Conversely, undercooking can leave the chicken tough, so ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily before removing it.
Finally, adding the pasta too early to the slow cooker can lead to mushy, overcooked noodles. Always cook the pasta separately on the stovetop according to package directions and only combine it with the sauce and chicken just before serving. This ensures your pasta remains perfectly al dente and maintains its texture.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Storing leftovers of this creamy pumpkin chicken alfredo is simple, and it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer any remaining alfredo (with or without pasta) to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, if the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate or the chicken to dry out.
For making ahead, you can prepare the pumpkin and cheese sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then, in the morning, simply add the chicken and the pre-mixed sauce to your slow cooker. This cuts down on morning prep time even further. While the dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce, particularly with the cottage cheese, might undergo a slight texture change upon thawing and reheating, becoming a bit grain
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
