If you have ever dreamed of a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that requires minimal fuss, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe. It’s the ultimate weeknight saver, blending tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coming together in one easy crockpot adventure. The slow cooking infuses every bite with flavor, making this recipe your go-to answer for cozy dinners that feel indulgent but are incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of creamy, savory goodness. Every item serves a purpose, from creating the saucy base to giving texture and that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Enhances overall flavor, added at separate stages for balanced seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and aroma to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a slightly sweet, savory undertone.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A harmonious herb blend that injects Mediterranean vibes.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives just the right hint of spice to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for browning chicken and locking in flavor.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The rich and velvety base that makes the Alfredo sauce deliciously creamy.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds depth and silkiness to the sauce.
- 16 ounces dry penne pasta: Holds the sauce well with its tube shape and has a satisfying bite.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The key cheesy element that makes Alfredo unmistakable.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers fresh, pungent flavor to brighten the sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken breasts a generous rub down with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. This seasoning blend makes sure every bite is full of savory flavor and sets the stage for a deeply satisfying dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the seasoned chicken until it develops a golden crust, about 2 minutes per side. Browning the chicken locks in juices and adds beautiful color, but don’t worry about cooking it through because the slow cooker will take care of that perfectly.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Cream, and Butter to Crockpot
Transfer the seared chicken breasts into your slow cooker, then pour in the heavy cream and add the butter on top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, cover the crockpot, and cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours. The slow cooking allows the sauce to thicken and the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken simmers away, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve at least 1½ cups of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is a secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 5: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and slice or shred it to your preferred size. This makes it easier to mix back into the sauce and ensures you get chicken in every forkful.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Give the slow cooker a good whisk if the heavy cream looks clumpy or separated, smoothing out the sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to bring richness and a fresh punch of flavor to the Alfredo sauce.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked penne pasta to the crockpot and fold it gently into the creamy sauce. Add the shredded chicken on top, then give everything a thorough stir so all those flavors get to know one another.
Step 8: Adjust Sauce Consistency
If the sauce seems too thick, slowly stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your perfect creamy consistency. Finally, taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed to make the dish just right.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are your chance to add freshness and a pop of color to this creamy dish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil complements the richness beautifully. You can also grate some extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finishing touch that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is rich and hearty on its own, I recommend pairing it with light, crisp sides such as steamed broccoli, a refreshing Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus. These sides add texture contrast and keep your meal balanced without competing with the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, serve the Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a crack of fresh black pepper on top. Or try layering it in a casserole dish for a baked twist, adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping and broiling until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the Alfredo sauce to minimize any skin forming on top.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the texture of pasta might soften a little upon thawing. If freezing, store the chicken Alfredo in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm them slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. This will revive its creamy, dreamy consistency without overcooking the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and food safety, you can use frozen chicken if you increase the crockpot cook time appropriately. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Is it possible to use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making the sauce in the crockpot?
Yes, you can simplify the recipe by using pre-made Alfredo sauce, but making it from scratch with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan will give you a fresher, richer flavor that’s hard to beat.
What type of pasta works best in this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
Penne pasta is perfect because it holds the sauce well, but you can also use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just remember to cook the pasta separately to al dente and reserve some pasta water.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking can add wonderful flavor and nutrition to your Alfredo. Just be mindful of when you add them to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The slow cooker’s low and high settings make this easy, but if in doubt, slice into the chicken to check that it’s no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm hug of a creamy pasta dish made simple and delicious, which is exactly why the Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and comfort food magic, guaranteed to impress your family or friends without keeping you slaving in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make it again and again.
Print
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe offers a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dinner that’s effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic seasonings. Paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta, this dish is ideal for a hands-off meal that yields six generous bowls of satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce & Pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream (1 pint)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 16 ounces dry penne pasta (1 box)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix ½ teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 2 minutes per side, browning the outside without cooking through to lock in juices.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour in the heavy cream and add the unsalted butter. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt over the mixture. Cover with the lid.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook on high for 2 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender while the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving at least 1½ cups of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Prepare Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred or slice them as preferred. Set aside.
- Incorporate Cheese and Garlic: If the cream sauce appears separated or clumpy, whisk it in the slow cooker to smooth it out. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to enrich the sauce with creamy texture and aroma.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked and drained penne into the slow cooker, folding it gently into the sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Add the shredded or sliced chicken back into the slow cooker and stir everything together to combine.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually stir in reserved pasta water, adding little by little until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Season to Taste: Taste the Chicken Alfredo and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overcooking the chicken breasts in the skillet—just a quick sear to brown is enough before slow cooking.
- If your heavy cream separates during slow cooking, whisk thoroughly to bring the sauce back together.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more flavorful and smoother sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
