Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo: Irresistible Comfort in Minutes

This easy Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo brings together tender chicken and creamy pasta in one delicious, fuss-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comfort food classic cooks while you handle other things. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, restaurant-worthy dish that your family will request again and again. Ready to let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rewards of a homemade Italian-inspired dinner?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo is a game-changer for busy weeknights! You’ll love it because:

• Truly effortless: Set it and forget it while your slow cooker does the work

• Family-approved comfort food: Creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone devours

• One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your evening

• Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients create an impressive restaurant-quality meal

• Perfectly tender chicken: The slow cooking method ensures juicy results every time

The irresistible aroma that fills your home is just a bonus to this time-saving, delicious dinner solution!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo:

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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For Adding Later:

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta, broken in half
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pro Tip: For the best flavor, grate your Parmesan cheese fresh rather than using the pre-shredded kind. The pre-packaged varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.

I recommend using boneless chicken breasts for easy shredding, but chicken thighs work wonderfully too if you prefer darker meat. And while heavy cream creates the richest sauce, you can substitute half-and-half if you’re looking for a slightly lighter option.

Make sure to have all ingredients measured and ready before you begin – this simple prep makes the assembly process even more effortless!

How To Make Crock pot Chicken Alfredo

Let me walk you through this simple slow cooking process that yields incredibly flavorful results! The magic of this recipe is how effortlessly the ingredients come together while you go about your day.

Step 1: Prep Your Base

1. Place your chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Dot the butter over the chicken, then sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour chicken broth around the sides of the chicken (not directly on top to keep the seasonings in place).

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and set your slow coker to LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
2. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it easily shreds when pulled with a fork – this is the tenderness we’re looking for!
3. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks, keeping the flavorful liquid in the pot.

Step 3: Create That Creamy Goodness

1. Switch your slow cooker to the HIGH setting if it isn’t already.
2. To the hot cooking liquid, add your heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan.
3. Whisk gently until the cheeses begin to melt and incorporate (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Return your shredded chicken to the creamy mixture and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add The Pasta

1. Break your fettuccine noodles in half and submerge them in the sauce mixture.
2. Gently press them down to ensure they’re fully covered in liquid.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes more, stirring gently at the halfway mark to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Check your pasta for doneness at the 30-minute mark – it should be al dente.
2. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk or extra broth.
3. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes before serving – this helps the sauce reach the perfect consistency.

Pro Tip: The slow cooker lid collects condensation during cooking. To prevent this water from dripping back into your creamy sauce and diluting it, carefully remove the lid away from the pot when checking or stirring.

What I love about this slow cooker method is how the chicken alfredo crock pot recipe becomes incredibly tender while infusing the entire dish with flavor. There’s something special about letting these simple ingredients meld together slowly – it creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods!

Substitutions & Variations

Make this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo your own with these quick and easy adaptations:

Quick Substitutions:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor
• Half-and-half can replace heavy cream (slightly less creamy)
• Any sturdy pasta works: penne, rigatoni, or farfalle
• Gluten-free pasta works great (reduce cooking time by 5 minutes)

Simple Variations to Try:

• Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, peas, or spinach in the last 30 minutes
• Protein Swap: Use rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp
• Flavor Kick: Stir in pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or crumbled bacon
• Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning

Dietary Adaptations:

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese

The best part? No matter how you customize it, this flexible recipe still delivers that comforting, creamy goodness with minimal effort!

Storage & Reheating

Keep your Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo tasting great with these simple storage tips:

Refrigerating:

• Cool within 1 hour, then store in airtight containers
• Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator
• Pasta will absorb sauce over time – this is normal!

Reheating Options:

• Stovetop (Best): Warm over medium-low heat with 1-2 tablespoons of milk per serving, stirring frequently
• Microwave (Quick): Heat at 50% power with a splash of milk, stirring every 30 seconds

Reviving Dry Leftovers:

• Add warm milk or cream gradually until creamy again
• A small pat of butter helps restore richness

Freezing Note: Cream-based pasta dishes don’t freeze ideally, but if necessary, use within 1 month and reheat gently with extra cream to restore texture.

Remember: Low, slow heating is the secret to keeping your leftovers creamy and delicious!

What to Serve with Crock pot Chicken Alfredo

Round out your creamy pasta dinner with these perfect companions:

Quick Fresh Sides:

• Simple green salad with light vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Sliced tomatoes with fresh basil and balsamic glaze

Bread Options:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Warm crusty Italian bread
• Quick garlic toast (broil butter-brushed bread with garlic powder)

Easy Starters:

• Bruschetta
• Marinated olives
• Caprese skewers

Beverage Pairings:

• White wine: Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Unsweetened iced tea

The key is balance! Since Chicken Alfredo is rich and creamy, lighter sides with bright flavors make for the most satisfying meal. A simple green vegetable and warm bread are really all you need for a complete dinner.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but add 1-2 hours cooking time and ensure chicken reaches 165°F. For best results, thaw first.

Why did my sauce break or curdle?

This happens when dairy overheats. Always add cream and cheese after chicken is cooked and use room-temperature, full-fat dairy products.

Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely! Combine chicken, seasonings, and broth in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Add pasta and dairy ingredients at the specified times when cooking.

How can I thicken my sauce?

Remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15-30 minutes, or stir in a mixture of 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook chicken with broth and seasonings for 10 minutes on HIGH pressure, then add dairy ingredients, and finally pasta for half its package cooking time.

How do I prevent pasta from sticking?

Break pasta into shorter pieces, ensure it’s fully submerged, stir halfway through cooking, and don’t overcook.

Is this good for meal prep?

Perfect for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

What size slow cooker works best?

A 6-quart is ideal. Use a 4-quart by reducing ingredients by one-third, or use the recipe as written for an 8-quart.

chicken alfredo crock pot recipe

Clara

This creamy, comforting Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich homemade alfredo sauce for an effortless family dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6

Calories 582 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth divided
• 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta broken in half
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water if needed to thin sauce

Instructions

 

• Add chicken, butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 cup broth to slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
• Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
• Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
• Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
• Stir in remaining broth and uncooked pasta.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until pasta is tender.
• If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
• Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 582 per serving
• Protein: 41g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 768mg
• Cholesterol: 182mg

Keyword chicken alfredo, creamy pasta, crock pot pasta, slow cooker chicken