If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dinner that’s practically effortless, you’ve got to try The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — tender shredded chicken bathing in a rich, dreamy Alfredo sauce that your slow cooker does all the work for. Whether you’re tackling a busy weeknight or want to impress without slaving away in the kitchen, this recipe is your new go-to. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set And Forget: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic without stirring or fussing.
- Creamy Comfort Food: The homemade Alfredo sauce beats jarred sauces hands down — rich, luscious, and addictive.
- Busts Busy Night Blues: Prep in five minutes, then come home to a ready-to-eat dinner that satisfies hungry appetites.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot, one spoon, and dinner done — perfect for those “too tired to cook” nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are simple but perfectly balanced to create a velvety Alfredo that clings beautifully to tender chicken and penne pasta. You’ll find that using cream cheese alongside butter and heavy cream makes the sauce extra smooth and luscious.
- Chicken breast: I prefer boneless, skinless for shredding ease and lean protein goodness.
- Cream cheese: Adds that silky richness and body to the sauce — don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter: Cubed butter melts beautifully, giving the sauce a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic gives a wonderful savory punch that can’t be beat by powders.
- Salt: Essential to season the dish just right — use to your taste, but don’t leave it out.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: The star ingredient for that classic Alfredo creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Gives depth without overpowering, balancing out the richness.
- Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch — freshly grated if you can! Choose a good quality Parmesan for best flavor.
- Penne pasta, uncooked: Holds sauce well and cooks perfectly in the crockpot with the chicken.
Variations
I love how easy it is to switch this up depending on what you have on hand or your preferences. Don’t hesitate to get creative — this recipe welcomes customization like a longtime friend!
- Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie-packed twist—my family actually requests it now!
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the garlic for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Low Carb: Swap the penne for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a lighter version that still feels indulgent.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese with nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan; it’s a game-changer if you’re avoiding dairy.
How to Make The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Load Your Crockpot With Flavorful Ingredients
First things first, toss the chicken breasts right into your crockpot. Cube the cream cheese and butter and add them on top, then sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, and pepper over everything. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. This mixture will create the ultra-rich sauce you’re dreaming of. Give it a gentle swirl if you need to just to distribute the seasonings, but avoid over-mixing — you want that slow cooker to do the magic.
Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Set your crockpot to high for about 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. When I’m tight on time, high works perfectly, but low heat lets the flavors develop deeper. Check that the chicken is fully cooked — it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and shred easily with a fork.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Pasta
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them right in the kitchen or on a plate. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot along with the uncooked penne pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently.
Step 4: Cook Pasta Until Perfectly Tender
Put the crockpot back on high and cook for about 35-40 minutes, or until the penne is tender but still holds its shape nicely. Stir every 15 minutes if you can, just to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the pasta is done, your Alfredo is ready to serve!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your creamy masterpiece with more freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil to brighten it up visually and flavor-wise. Then dive in — this is one of those meals that tastes even better the next day (if you have leftovers, that is!).
Pro Tips for Making The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Chicken: I’ve learned it’s better to cook the chicken fully first before adding pasta — it makes shredding easier and keeps the pasta from overcooking.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and adds a sharper flavor than pre-grated versions.
- Stir Occasionally: For perfectly cooked pasta, stir a couple of times once the pasta is added to avoid clumping or sticking at the bottom.
- Cream Cheese Cubes: Cutting the cream cheese into small cubes helps it melt evenly without clumps in your sauce.
How to Serve The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves to add a pop of color and fresh flavor on top. Extra grated Parmesan is a no-brainer for that irresistible cheesy finish. Sometimes, I like a light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if we want a little flair.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is hearty on its own, simple sides work best. My go-to is a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic butter. For something more indulgent, garlic bread or warm focaccia never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve served the crockpot Alfredo in individual ramekins topped with a little fresh microgreens for an elevated look. You can also stuff it into baked bell peppers or use it as a rich filling for a comfort lasagna twist. It’s versatile and always gets compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find they stay creamy and delicious for up to 3 days. The chicken and pasta soak up flavors even more overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but I recommend freezing before you add the pasta, as cooked pasta can get mushy after thawing. Save the shredded chicken and Alfredo sauce in a freezer-safe container, thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook fresh pasta to add when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. Microwave works too — cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken directly in the crockpot. Just add extra cooking time — usually about 1 hour longer on low or 30-45 minutes longer on high — and check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
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Is it possible to make this recipe without cream cheese?
You could omit cream cheese, but I don’t recommend it because it helps thicken the sauce and adds richness. If you need a substitute, mascarpone or even Greek yogurt (added at the end off heat) can work, but the texture and taste will be slightly different.
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What pasta works best in The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
Penne is ideal because it holds the sauce nicely and cooks evenly in the slow cooker. You can also try rigatoni or fusilli. Avoid delicate pasta shapes like angel hair that might overcook and become mushy.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or low-fat?
For dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast, but expect a flavor shift. Low-fat substitutes can work but may affect the sauce’s creaminess—you might need to adjust seasonings and texture accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this The BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe a try soon because it’s truly a game changer for easy, delicious dinners. I still remember the first time I made it — my whole family went crazy for that perfect creamy sauce and tender chicken combo. It’s comforting, simple, and versatile enough for weeknight meals or company dinners alike. So, grab your crockpot, gather those ingredients, and enjoy hands-off cooking with a wow-worthy outcome. You’ll thank yourself later!
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 Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This BEST Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe features tender shredded chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta smothered in a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Made easily in a slow cooker, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or comforting dinners with minimal effort and cleanup.
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 Cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breast, cream cheese, cubed butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream into the slow cooker. This mixture will form the base of the Alfredo sauce while infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot carefully. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the uncooked penne pasta along with the parmesan cheese. Stir to combine everything and coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cook on high for an additional 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Top with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped greens like parsley or basil for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, creamy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo.
Notes
- This recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for busy nights, as the slow cooker does all the work.
- Using cream cheese and heavy cream creates a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce without needing heavy whipping or stovetop preparation.
- Feel free to add veggies like steamed broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated 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
