Looking for a hearty meal that combines creamy alfredo sauce and the natural sweetness of butternut squash? This slow cooker butternut squash alfredo pasta is just what you need.
With minimal prep, you can enjoy a comforting and rich dish that’s made even easier with the slow cooker. The butternut squash creates a velvety, naturally sweet sauce that’s balanced out by the creamy alfredo sauce, making each bite indulgent without being too heavy.
This dish is great for a busy day when you want something that’s both nourishing and satisfying, with little effort on your part. Whether it’s for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish will definitely leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
This pasta dish is more than just easy to make—it’s packed with flavor and offers a delicious twist on the classic alfredo. Here’s why it’s worth making:
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce – The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butternut squash creates a creamy, smooth sauce that’s rich without being overwhelming.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor – The natural sweetness of the squash perfectly complements the creamy alfredo sauce, creating a comforting and balanced meal.
- Minimal Prep Time – With the slow cooker doing most of the work, all you need to do is add the ingredients and let the flavors come together.
- Vegetarian-Friendly – This dish is perfect for vegetarians, providing a hearty meal that’s full of flavor.
This creamy pasta is a great way to enjoy a cozy, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
To make this dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, comforting meal:
- Butternut Squash – Peeled and cubed, this adds a natural sweetness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the rich and creamy texture of the alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor to balance the creaminess.
- Garlic – Gives the sauce depth and richness.
- Chicken Broth – Helps thin the sauce while adding extra flavor.
- Pasta – Use your favorite type of pasta. Fettuccine or penne work wonderfully.
- Butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
These ingredients come together to create a velvety, comforting sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
Making this dish is simple and requires only a few steps. Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare the Squash – Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Add it to the slow cooker.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients – Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the squash is soft and easily mashed.
- Blend the Sauce – Once the squash is cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta – Cook the pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine – Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce until well coated. Serve hot.
It’s that easy! With minimal work, you have a delicious, creamy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | A crispy, buttery bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. |
| Steamed Broccoli | The freshness and slight crunch of broccoli balance the richness of the sauce. |
| Side Salad | A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess of the pasta. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted carrots, zucchini, or brussels sprouts add some earthy flavors. |
| Crispy Roasted Potatoes | Crispy potatoes add texture and make a hearty complement to the creamy pasta. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
This dish stores well and makes for great leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat:
How to Store Leftovers
- Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Slow Cooker: You can also reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
To make the best version of this dish, follow these tips:
- Use fresh, quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Blend the squash mixture for a smooth, velvety sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip blending.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more cream or broth depending on how thick or creamy you want the sauce.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
- For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, tofu, or sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes! You can use frozen butternut squash in place of fresh. Just make sure to cook it a little longer since frozen squash tends to release more moisture.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the cream and cream cheese for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan for the cheese.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta in place of the traditional egg noodles.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to add a little extra cream or broth when reheating to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
This slow cooker butternut squash Alfredo pasta is the perfect way to indulge in a creamy, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and creamy sauce
- Large Skillet For sautéing the garlic and other ingredients
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces penne pasta or your favorite pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 4 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add **spinach** or **chicken thighs** for a richer taste.
- Feel free to swap the **Parmesan** for **mozzarella** for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for **up to 3 days** or frozen for **up to 3 months**.
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