There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of creamy chicken Alfredo filling your home on a busy day. This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe takes the hassle out of dinner, giving you all the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic Alfredo dish with minimal effort.
I first discovered this gem of a recipe when juggling a full schedule and a house full of hungry mouths to feed. By combining a few simple ingredients in a slow cooker, I created a dinner that has since become a staple in our home. Ready to learn how to bring this delicious meal to your table?
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Get ready to embrace your new favorite comfort food. This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is as easy as it is delicious.
First off, it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe. With just a few minutes of prep, your crockpot takes over, cooking everything to perfection while you go about your day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the hefty price tag. By using basic, budget-friendly ingredients, you’ll enjoy a creamy, flavorful dish for a fraction of what it would cost to dine out.
It’s also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or experimenting with different flavors, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences. Swap out the protein, add some veggies, or spice it up—the possibilities are endless.
Lastly, the whole family will love it. From the tender chicken to the creamy Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a hearty, satisfying meal.
The chicken is the star of the show. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, tender option that cooks beautifully in the crockpot. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are equally delicious and a bit more forgiving during the long cooking process.
The Alfredo sauce is made extra creamy with a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese. These two ingredients work together to create a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as indulgent.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must for authentic Alfredo flavor. Pre-grated options don’t melt as well and can result in a grainy texture, so take the time to grate your own—it’s worth it.
For the pasta, choose a shape like penne or fettuccine. These shapes hold the sauce well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Cook the pasta separately to al dente before adding it to the crockpot at the end.
Finally, don’t forget your seasonings. Garlic, salt, and black pepper are the foundation, but you can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a traditional Alfredo touch or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How To Make This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Making this dish is incredibly simple, thanks to your trusty crockpot. Follow these steps for foolproof results.
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Add chicken broth to the pot, which will help keep the chicken moist and infuse it with flavor as it cooks.
Next, add chunks of cream cheese around the chicken. The cream cheese will slowly melt, creating the base for your Alfredo sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Avoid the temptation to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
About 20 minutes before serving, prepare your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside. Shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, tossing everything together until well-coated in the sauce. Let it sit for about 10 minutes on the warm setting to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Storage Options
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta stores beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
To refrigerate, transfer the pasta and sauce to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a delicious meat-free meal.
- Protein swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even sausage for a fun twist.
- Low-carb option: Serve the Alfredo sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Extra veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to keep this dish fresh and exciting every time you make it.
PrintCrockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Indulge in this easy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe made with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting dinner that's rich in flavor and simple to prepare with a slow cooker!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred or dice it, then return to the crockpot.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and uncooked pasta. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Stir pasta occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
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