Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Description:
This comforting, indulgent chicken carbonara is made easier and more hands-off with a slow cooker. It combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, garlic, parmesan, and a rich creamy sauce served over pasta for a decadent dinner. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings.
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total Time: Up to 6 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the slow cooker:
2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powde
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
200g (7 oz) bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Just before serving:
350g (12 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine, cooked
Extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prep Chicken: Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic, onion powder, pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth. Cover and cook:
LOW for 5–6 hours
or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours
Shred Chicken: Once tender, shred chicken with two forks inside the slow cooker.
Add Dairy: Stir in heavy cream, cooked bacon, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Mix well. Cook for another 15–20 minutes on HIGH
Thicken Sauce (optional): If sauce is too thin, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook an additional 10 minutes.
Add Pasta: Cook pasta separately. Drain and stir into the sauce just before serving.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):
Calories: 580
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Q&A:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs work great and stay juicy.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Swap cream for evaporated milk or use half-and-half. Reduce bacon and cheese for a lighter version.
Q: Can it be reheated?
A: Yes. Reheat gently over the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: It’s best fresh. Cream-based sauces may separate upon freezing. If needed, freeze the chicken and sauce only (without pasta).