If you are on the lookout for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni, all made effortless in your slow cooker. The beauty of this dish is how incredibly simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dinner without any fuss. From the luscious sauce to the melt-in-your-mouth chicken, each bite reminds you why homemade meals can be so special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe just right comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creamy texture. The magic is in how these familiar elements combine to make an indulgent yet easy dish.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders: The star protein that stays tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates that beautifully rich, velvety sauce base everyone loves in Alfredo dishes.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended): Adds depth and balances the creaminess for a savory flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (sliced): Brings richness and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed): For smoothness and extra creamy texture without extra effort.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend that adds herbal warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper: Adds subtle heat and a fragrant bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the Alfredo sauce a gentle garlicky depth.
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta (uncooked): Hearty pasta that holds the sauce beautifully and adds texture to every forkful.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled in for umami richness and a cheesy kick.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by placing your boneless chicken breast tenders in a large slow cooker. This is the base where all the creamy magic begins. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth evenly over the chicken and nestle the sliced butter and cream cheese cubes around the edges. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder on top. These simple seasonings are the secret to a flavorful sauce that tastes just right without overpowering the natural chicken goodness.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken Until Tender
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about 3 hours or low for 5 hours. This slow and steady cooking method ensures the chicken becomes fork-tender and infused with those rich, creamy flavors. As it cooks, the cream cheese and butter melt into the broth, creating the signature smooth Alfredo sauce. Patience at this stage pays off with melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Smooth the Sauce
Once the chicken reaches tender perfection, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces – this makes the dish easier to eat and lets the sauce cling to every morsel. Meanwhile, whisk the sauce in the crock pot to dissolve any lumps and bring it all together into a smooth, creamy texture. Then toss the shredded chicken back into the sauce, letting them mingle.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Parmesan
Time to add the uncooked rigatoni pasta straight into the slow cooker, along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds extra cheesy richness and a subtle nutty flavor that makes Alfredo so irresistible. Cover again and continue cooking on high for about 30 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce thickens to coat every tube of rigatoni.
Step 5: Serve With a Fresh Garnish
Once the pasta is ready, give everything a final gentle stir to combine it all. Serve your Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo piping hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if you like. The parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy richness and gives your plate a lovely visual pop.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and simple garnish that adds color and a light herbal freshness to cut through the richness. You might also try a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan or some cracked black pepper for an added layer of flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
Since this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe is wonderfully rich and filling, lighter side dishes work best. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or garlic-roasted asparagus to add texture and a touch of brightness to your meal. Garlic bread on the side is always a crowd-pleaser if you want something indulgent but complementary.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by plating individual servings with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley, or serve it family-style in the slow cooker for a casual gathering. For a fun twist, layer the cooked Alfredo in a baking dish with some mozzarella on top and broil it briefly until bubbly and golden for a gratin-inspired finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender. Before refrigerating, allow the dish to cool slightly at room temperature but no longer than two hours for food safety.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious meal longer, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen leftovers can last up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the pasta might soften a bit after freezing and reheating, but the flavors stay fantastic.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and keep that creamy texture intact. Slow, gentle reheating is the key to maintaining the silky smooth sauce you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because it holds sauce well, you can use penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so check for tenderness as it simmers in the Crock Pot.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream substitutes and vegan cream cheese alternatives, but it will change the classic flavor and richness of Alfredo. For a lighter version, consider swapping heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
Yes! Adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms, spinach, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking can boost texture and nutrition without compromising the creamy sauce. Just add them in carefully so they don’t overcook.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand? Can I omit it?
The cream cheese adds vital creaminess and thickness to the sauce. If you don’t have any, you could substitute with mascarpone or add a bit more butter and heavy cream, but the sauce may be a bit less thick and luscious.
Why does the recipe call for uncooked pasta instead of cooking it separately?
Adding uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker helps it soak up all the delicious creamy sauce, resulting in perfectly tender noodles bursting with flavor. It also saves time and keeps mess to a minimum!
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again, especially when you want a comforting, fuss-free meal that tastes indulgent and homemade. It’s easy to throw together, waits quietly with slow cooking patience, and rewards you with creamy, cheesy goodness that feels like a celebration of simple ingredients. Don’t hesitate to try it out and impress your family or friends with a dish that’s as cozy as it is delicious.
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make slow cooker meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich sauce made of heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, and Parmesan, then combined with rigatoni pasta for a deliciously satisfying one-pot dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless raw chicken breast tenders
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (sliced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the chicken breast tenders in a large slow cooker. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken. Add the sliced butter, cubed cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the cooker.
- Cook the chicken: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and is fork tender.
- Shred chicken and combine with sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate. Whisk the sauce in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add pasta and cheese: Add the uncooked rigatoni pasta and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Re-cover with the lid and cook on high for 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level of the dish.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Stir the pasta halfway through cooking if possible to prevent sticking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
