If you’re anything like me, you love a meal that practically makes itself but still tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe with you! Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this dish combines juicy shredded chicken and tender pasta swimming in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, your crockpot does all the heavy lifting for you.
- Rich and Creamy: Thanks to cream cheese, butter, and Parmesan, this Alfredo sauce is velvety smooth and indulgent.
- Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of this dish—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
- Easy Cleanup: Fewer pots and pans mean less stress when dinner’s done—just set your slow cooker and relax.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe combines simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to create a creamy, comforting meal. When shopping, grab good quality Parmesan—it makes a noticeable difference!
- Chicken breast: Skinless, boneless is best for easy shredding and a clean flavor.
- Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness better.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives that classic Alfredo aroma.
- Salt: Season to taste, but don’t overdo it initially—you can always add more later.
- Ground black pepper: Provides a mild kick and balances the creaminess.
- Heavy whipping cream: The heart of the Alfredo sauce’s creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce just right.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and melting.
- Penne pasta, uncooked: Holds the sauce well and cooks perfectly in the crockpot.
Variations
I love making this recipe just as it is, but once in a while I like to switch things up to keep it fresh and suit different tastes. Feel free to make it your own!
- Vegetable Add-ins: I’ve added steamed broccoli or spinach stirred in at the end for some vibrant greens and extra nutrients—my family loves it!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives this creamy dish a fun little heat boost.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles. Just add them toward the very end to prevent sogginess.
- Cheese Swap: Try tossing in shredded mozzarella or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
How to Make The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Slow Cooker Ingredients
Start by adding the chicken breast whole into the crockpot along with cream cheese, cubed butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream. I like to cube the cream cheese and butter so they melt evenly and blend beautifully while cooking.
Cooking on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours will cook the chicken until tender and juicy. Trust me, waiting for the chicken to shred is always worth it!
Step 2: Shred Chicken and Add Pasta
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it carefully and shred it with two forks—this is where the magic happens! Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the uncooked penne pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Cook on high for another 35-40 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it at the 30-minute mark to make sure it’s just right—overcooked pasta can happen if you’re not careful.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Give everything a good stir, then top with extra freshly grated Parmesan and some chopped greens like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately. This is when I really feel like I’ve hit dinner jackpot—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly tender all in one pot!
Pro Tips for Making The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Cream Cheese Cubes: Cutting cream cheese into cubes helps it melt evenly without clumping, for that dreamily smooth sauce.
- Don’t Skip Shredding: Shredding the chicken by hand makes it soak up the sauce way better than slicing or chopping.
- Pasta Timing Is Key: Add the pasta toward the end to avoid sogginess—you want it al dente and hearty.
- Stir Gently: Stir the pasta in gently to avoid breaking it up and creating mush in the crockpot.
How to Serve The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even a little chive add a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness. I always sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top right before serving for that cheesy extra touch. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten up the flavors if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this chicken Alfredo with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli work great too, especially if you want a bit more color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch and a sprig of fresh herbs. Another favorite is layering it in a shallow casserole dish and broiling just for a few minutes to get a golden cheesy crust on top—total crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so it’s normal if it seems a bit dense—just add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it right back up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers right after cooking and cool completely. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove—avoid the microwave if you can to keep the sauce silky.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Stir often to prevent the sauce from sticking or separating. I find reheating slowly really preserves the flavor and texture better than microwaving.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in the crockpot, other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni can work too. Just keep an eye on cooking time since different shapes vary in how they absorb liquid.
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Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese in this recipe?
For the best flavor and melt, I highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture and taste, especially in creamy sauces like this one.
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Can I make The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit of a challenge since the creaminess is key here, but you can try substituting dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. Just note that the sauce texture and flavor will differ from the classic Alfredo experience.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double the ingredients, but be mindful of your crockpot size—overfilling can affect cooking times and safety. It’s best to use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches for consistent results.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this no-fuss, creamy, dreamy dish turns out every time I make it. When I first tried The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from my slow cooker. It’s become a go-to weeknight favorite for busy evenings or when I just want something comforting without much cleanup. I’m sure you’ll find it just as satisfying and easy to love as I do—give it a try and watch your family go crazy for it!
Print
The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 4 hr 30 min
- Total Time: 4 hr 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe offers a creamy, comforting dinner with juicy shredded chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Ideal for busy days, this slow cooker meal simplifies cooking and cleanup while delivering classic Italian-American flavors loved by all.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Pasta and Topping
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese
- Freshly grated parmesan, for topping
- Chopped greens (such as parsley), for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken breast, cream cheese, cubed butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream into the slow cooker. This mixture forms the base of your creamy Alfredo sauce and slowly cooks the chicken to tender perfection.
- Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. This slow cooking infuses the sauce with flavor and ensures juicy shredded chicken.
- Shred Chicken and Add Pasta: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add the uncooked penne pasta and parmesan cheese to the sauce mixture.
- Cook Pasta: Cook on high for about 35-40 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the creamy Alfredo sauce, creating a cohesive dish.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the pasta is done, serve the chicken Alfredo immediately. Top servings with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped greens like parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal with minimal fuss.
- The creamy sauce combines cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and parmesan for richness and depth of flavor.
- You can swap penne pasta for any short pasta you prefer, but ensure cooking times remain similar.
- For extra vegetables, add steamed broccoli or spinach just before serving.
- Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 754 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 929 mg
- Fat: 56 g
- Saturated Fat: 34 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 211 mg
