Craving a rich, creamy, and satisfying dinner without hours in the kitchen? This Easy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is your ultimate weeknight meal solution! It features tender chicken slowly cooked in a luscious Alfredo sauce, creating deep, comforting flavors. The magic of your slow cooker handles most of the work, promising minimal prep and perfect pasta every time. Get ready for a delicious, stress-free dinner your whole family will adore.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
This crockpot chicken alfredo recipe takes the guesswork out of dinner, making it a fantastic choice for any home cook.
- Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Simply add ingredients and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Cleanup is a breeze too!
- Rich, Creamy, Indulgent Flavor: Each bite is bursting with savory chicken and a velvety, garlic-infused Alfredo sauce.
- Tender, Juicy Shredded Chicken: Slow cooking ensures your chicken breast is incredibly moist and falls apart easily.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prepare it in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.
- Crowd-Plea sing Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this comforting and familiar dish.
Ingredients
Making crockpot chicken alfredo starts with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. These pantry staples combine to create an unbelievably rich and satisfying meal. Gather your chicken, dairy, and seasonings, then let your slow cooker work its magic!
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this slow cooker chicken alfredo to fit your preferences.
- Chicken Options: Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, offering even more flavor and staying incredibly moist. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
- Pasta Varieties: Feel free to swap penne for other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle. Avoid delicate pasta that might get mushy.
- Dairy Adjustments: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of some heavy cream, though the richness will change. Always use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Garlic Conversion: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add it in at the beginning with the other seasonings.
- Additional Seasoning: A pinch of dried Italian seasoning or a dash of onion powder can enhance the flavor profile. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick!
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this amazing crockpot chicken alfredo. Just a few basic kitchen tools will get the job done efficiently.
- 6-quart slow cooker: Essential for cooking this one-pot meal to perfection.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For preparing the chicken and mincing garlic.
- Meat shredding claws or two forks: To easily shred the tender cooked chicken.
Instructions To Make The Best crockpot chicken alfredo
Creating this comforting crockpot chicken alfredo is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps for a delicious, hearty meal.
- Begin by adding the chicken breast, softened cream cheese, cubed unsalted butter, minced garlic, salt, ground black pepper, chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream into your 6-quart slow cooker. Ensure all ingredients are submerged as much as possible.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the high setting for 2-3 hours or the low setting for 4-5 hours.
- According to USDA guidelines, all poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked. The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs. Place them on a cutting board or shallow dish.
- Using two forks or meat shredding claws, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be very tender and easy to shred.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir it into the creamy sauce, coating it completely.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together well, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce. This helps it cook evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on the high setting for an additional 35-40 minutes. Cook until the pasta is al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Check for doneness by tasting a piece.
- Give the entire dish a final good stir to distribute the sauce and chicken evenly throughout the pasta, creating the ultimate crockpot chicken alfredo.
- Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh greens, such as parsley or basil, before serving warm. Enjoy your homemade, easy slow cooker meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your slow cooker chicken alfredo turns out perfect every time with these helpful tips.
- Sear Chicken: For extra depth of flavor, quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a delicious crust.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, or garlic as needed. Remember, Parmesan adds saltiness too.
- Monitor Pasta Doneness: Slow cooker temperatures can vary. Start checking your pasta at the 30-minute mark to prevent it from becoming overcooked.
- Thinner Sauce: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, stir in a splash of warm milk or chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: Do not overcook the pasta! Overcooked pasta absorbs too much liquid and becomes mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking time and test for al dente.
- Ensure Even Heat: Keep the lid on tightly while cooking to maintain a consistent temperature. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this can prolong cooking times.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile crockpot chicken alfredo recipe offers many ways to enjoy it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this creamy dish alongside warm, buttery garlic breadsticks for dipping.
- Pair it with a light, fresh green salad tossed in a vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Allow any leftover slow cooker chicken alfredo to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Do NOT freeze cooked pasta dishes, as the pasta’s texture will become mushy and unpleasant upon thawing.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the slow cooker on the warm setting until heated through.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken in the refrigerator.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli florets or fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Flavor Boosts: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra taste and texture.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Try adding a mix of mozzarella, Asiago, or even a smoked gouda for a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken breast with cooked Italian sausage (sliced) for a heartier, more robust flavor profile in your creamy chicken alfredo.
Nutrition
Enjoying a satisfying meal like this is part of a balanced diet. This creamy crockpot chicken alfredo offers a comforting and filling option. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 754 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 34 g |
| Protein Content | 29 g |
| Fat Content | 56 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 34 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 211 mg |
| Sodium Content | 929 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 5 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 17 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
*Estimated nutritional information per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze crockpot chicken alfredo?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish once the pasta is cooked, as the pasta’s texture will become mushy when thawed and reheated.
What type of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold up well during slow cooking.
Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?
No, you add uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker during the second stage of cooking. This makes it a true one-pot meal.
How do I know the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
This incredible crockpot chicken alfredo truly delivers on its promise of an easy, delicious, and comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that feels gourmet.
You’ll love coming home to the aroma of this slow-cooked masterpiece, ready to serve your family. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to make Alfredo! We bet it will become a regular in your meal rotation.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add chicken, cream cheese, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, broth, and cream to slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and shred with forks, then return to slow cooker and stir.
- Add uncooked pasta and Parmesan. Stir to combine and submerge pasta.
- Cook on high for 35–40 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir well and serve warm with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- To reduce fat, substitute part of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if needed.
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