Creamy Comfort With Almost No Effort
There is something very nice about dropping a few ingredients into the slow cooker and walking away.delish+1
You come back later, open the lid, and the whole kitchen smells like garlic, butter, and cheese.breadboozebacon+1
The sauce is bubbling gently, the chicken is tender, and all you really have to do is stir in pasta and Parmesan.chefsavvy+1
Slow-cooker chicken Alfredo is rich and cozy, but the method is simple and low stress.spicedblog+1
The chicken cooks in cream, broth, butter, and garlic until it is soft enough to shred with a fork.valentinascorner+1
Then the pasta cooks right in that same sauce, so it soaks up flavor instead of plain water.easychickenrecipes+1
At the end you stir in a big handful of Parmesan, add the chicken back, and let everything thicken into a silky Alfredo sauce.thepioneerwoman+1
You get all the comfort of fettuccine Alfredo with less hands-on time and fewer dirty dishes.number-2-pencil+1
No separate pot of boiling water, no juggling sauce on one burner and chicken on another.easychickenrecipes+1
The slow cooker handles the long, gentle cooking, which is exactly what it does best.keytomylime+1
This recipe fits busy days, but it also works when you want something a little special without standing at the stove.delish+1
You can serve it in big bowls with garlic bread and salad and call it a comfort-night dinner.valentinascorner+1
You can double it for a crowd or bring it to a potluck and watch the slow cooker pot empty fast.spicedblog+1
If you like slow-cooker meals that feel like real “sit-down” food, this one earns a spot in the rotation.chefsavvy+1
Why you’ll love this slow-cooker chicken Alfredothepioneerwoman+1
- Hands-off cooking. The chicken and sauce cook for hours with almost no attention, so you can focus on work, kids, or just resting.delish+1
- One pot, less mess. The chicken, Alfredo sauce, and pasta all cook in the slow cooker, which keeps cleanup simple.chefsavvy+1
- Tender chicken every time. Gentle heat keeps the chicken moist instead of dry and stringy.keytomylime+1
- No boiling pasta separately. The noodles cook right in the sauce, picking up flavor as they soften.breadboozebacon+1
- Big flavor, simple ingredients. You use broth, cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan, which are easy to find and very familiar.easychickenrecipes+1
- Family-friendly taste. It is creamy, cheesy, and mild, and you can add red pepper flakes later for anyone who wants some heat.valentinascorner+1
- Good leftovers. The pasta and chicken reheat well with a splash of extra liquid, so lunch the next day is easy.keytomylime+1
- Easy to scale. You can double the recipe in a large slow cooker or halve it for a smaller household.spicedblog+1
- Flexible base. With a few tweaks you can turn it into Cajun Alfredo, spinach Alfredo, or a lighter lemon version.valentinascorner+1
- Feels special without much effort. It has that “restaurant pasta” feel, but all the hard work happens while you are doing other things.thepioneerwoman+1
Ingredients with exact measurementsdelish+1
This makes about 6 generous servings.chefsavvy+1
For the slow-cooker chicken and Alfredo saucespicedblog+1
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 medium pieces)keytomylime+1
- 2 cups heavy cream (or a mix of 1 ½ cups heavy cream + ½ cup half-and-half)delish+1
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken brotheasychickenrecipes+1
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunksbreadboozebacon+1
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes (about half a standard block)breadboozebacon+1
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder if you prefer)valentinascorner+1
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoningchefsavvy+1
- 1 teaspoon onion powderkeytomylime+1
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste at the end)number-2-pencil+1
- ½ teaspoon black pepperdelish+1
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional for a gentle kickkeytomylime+1
For finishing with pasta and cheeseeasychickenrecipes+1
- 12 ounces dry fettuccine or other long pasta (about ¾ of a standard 16-ounce box)number-2-pencil+1
- 1 ¼–1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packedthepioneerwoman+1
- ¼–½ cup extra chicken broth, as needed to loosen the sauce at the enddelish+1
For serving and garnishvalentinascorner+1
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyeasychickenrecipes+1
- Extra Parmesan for toppingbreadboozebacon+1
- Extra black pepper or red pepper flakes at the tablekeytomylime+1
Step-by-step instructions (with extra tips)thepioneerwoman+1
1. Prep the slow cooker and chickenspicedblog+1
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of oil or nonstick spray.spicedblog+1
Use a 6–8 quart model so there is room for the pasta later.easychickenrecipes+1
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.number-2-pencil+1
This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the sauce from getting watered down.delish+1
Season both sides of the chicken with a light pinch of salt and pepper from the total amount listed.number-2-pencil+1
Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.spicedblog+1
2. Build the Alfredo basethepioneerwoman+1
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth around the chicken.easychickenrecipes+1
Scatter in the butter cubes and cream cheese pieces so they melt evenly during cooking.breadboozebacon+1
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.chefsavvy+1
Stir the liquid gently around the chicken to spread the seasonings, but you do not need to mix it perfectly smooth at this stage.delish+1
Tip: If you want a slightly lighter sauce, you can replace ½ cup of cream with extra broth, but the classic version is cream-heavy and richer.keytomylime+1
3. Slow-cook the chickenspicedblog+1
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.breadboozebacon+1
Cook on low for 3–4 hours, or on high for about 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the center.easychickenrecipes+1
Cooking on low gives you more room for error and usually keeps the chicken softer.chefsavvy+1
Breasts can dry out if they go too long on high, so start checking toward the early end of the time range.keytomylime+1
While it cooks, the cream cheese and butter will melt and blend into the broth and cream, turning into a loose Alfredo-style sauce.valentinascorner+1
Try not to open the lid often; every time you do, you release heat and extend the cooking time.breadboozebacon+1
4. Shred or slice the chickendelish+1
When the chicken is cooked through, transfer the breasts to a cutting board using tongs.spicedblog+1
Let them rest for a few minutes so they are easier to handle and do not fall apart too much.number-2-pencil+1
Shred the chicken into bite-size pieces with two forks, or slice it crosswise into strips if you prefer neat pieces.thepioneerwoman+1
Set the chicken aside and cover it loosely with foil so it stays warm.easychickenrecipes+1
Leave the sauce in the slow cooker; this is where the pasta will cook.spicedblog+1
5. Taste and adjust the sauce basevalentinascorner+1
Whisk the sauce in the slow cooker or stir it well with a spatula to smooth out any bits of cream cheese.valentinascorner+1
Taste a spoonful and see how the seasoning feels.delish+1
If it tastes flat, add a pinch more salt and a bit more Italian seasoning or garlic powder.keytomylime+1
Remember that Parmesan later will add more salt and savory flavor, so do not overdo it now.chefsavvy+1
If the sauce seems very thick at this point, you can add a splash of broth to loosen it before adding pasta.keytomylime+1
6. Add the pastaeasychickenrecipes+1
Turn the slow cooker to high if it is not already there.spicedblog+1
Add the dry fettuccine straight into the sauce.number-2-pencil+1
If the noodles do not fit easily, break them in half.delish
Use tongs to press and stir the pasta into the sauce so as many pieces as possible are submerged.easychickenrecipes+1
If the liquid does not quite cover the pasta, add up to ½ cup more broth and stir again.keytomylime+1
Cover and cook on high for about 20–35 minutes, stirring once or twice during that time to keep the pasta from clumping.valentinascorner+1
Different slow cookers run hotter or cooler, so start checking for tenderness at around 20 minutes.delish+1
7. Check pasta and adjust thicknessspicedblog+1
When the pasta is just al dente, give the sauce a good stir.valentinascorner+1
At this point it might look a bit loose, which is fine, because the Parmesan and the rest time will thicken it.thepioneerwoman+1
If it already looks very thick and sticky, add a small splash of warm broth and stir until it loosens slightly.keytomylime+1
Turn the slow cooker to warm or keep it on high for just a few more minutes while you finish.breadboozebacon+1
8. Stir in Parmesan and chickenthepioneerwoman+1
Add the grated Parmesan to the hot pasta and sauce in two or three handfuls, stirring between each addition so it melts evenly.thepioneerwoman+1
Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than bagged shredded cheese, which often has anti-caking starch.chefsavvy+1
Once the cheese is melted and the sauce looks creamy, add the shredded or sliced chicken back into the slow cooker.valentinascorner+1
Use tongs or a large spoon to mix it through the pasta and sauce.breadboozebacon+1
Let everything sit on warm for about 5–10 minutes so the sauce can cling to the noodles and the chicken can soak up some of the flavor.easychickenrecipes+1
If the Alfredo still looks too thick at this point, stir in a bit more broth or a splash of hot water until it reaches the texture you like.delish+1
9. Garnish and servevalentinascorner+1
Taste one more time and adjust salt and pepper.keytomylime+1
Creamy dishes often need a last small pinch of salt to wake up the flavor.chefsavvy+1
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and add extra Parmesan if you want a cheesier finish.easychickenrecipes+1
Serve straight from the slow cooker into warm bowls.breadboozebacon+1
Offer black pepper, red pepper flakes, and more cheese at the table so people can tune it to their taste.delish+1
Serving suggestions and party ideasvalentinascorner+1
Simple weeknight dinnerchefsavvy+1
For a regular night, keep it relaxed.easychickenrecipes+1
Spoon slow-cooker chicken Alfredo into bowls and add a little extra sauce on top.valentinascorner+1
Serve with:delish+1
- A green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness.valentinascorner+1
- Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.chefsavvy+1
- Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a simple baguette.easychickenrecipes+1
It feels like a full meal without any extra complicated cooking.spicedblog+1
Cozy date night at homethepioneerwoman+1
This dish can also work for a casual date night.delish+1
Plate the pasta in shallow bowls, top with plenty of pepper and parsley, and serve with a small side salad.thepioneerwoman+1
Add a glass of wine or sparkling water with lemon and maybe a simple dessert like brownies or berries with whipped cream.easychickenrecipes+1
Alfredo bar for a crowdbreadboozebacon+1
If you are feeding more people, you can turn this into a small “Alfredo bar.”breadboozebacon+1
Keep the slow cooker on warm and set out bowls of toppings and sides.spicedblog+1
Ideas:valentinascorner+1
- Crispy bacon bits.chefsavvy+1
- Extra Parmesan and Romano cheeses.thepioneerwoman+1
- Red pepper flakes and fresh cracked black pepper.keytomylime+1
- Steamed broccoli florets or peas.chefsavvy+1
- Grilled or roasted vegetables for anyone who wants more color.therealfooddietitians+1
You can also add a second slow cooker with something different, like a red sauce pasta or meatballs, to give people choices.bbc+1
Potluck or work lunch setupbreadboozebacon+1
For a potluck, transport the slow cooker insert in an insulated carrier if you have one.themagicalslowcooker+1
Keep it plugged in on warm once you arrive so the sauce stays loose and creamy.spicedblog+1
Bring extra Parmesan in a container and sprinkle it over the top right before serving to freshen up the look.breadboozebacon+1
Variations and themed spins on slow-cooker chicken Alfredochefsavvy+1
Once you know the base recipe, you can change the flavor direction pretty easily.spicedblog+1
1. Spinach and mushroom chicken Alfredochefsavvy+1
Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker with the chicken at the start.chefsavvy+1
They will cook down and add a deeper, savory note.spicedblog+1
Stir in 3–4 cups fresh baby spinach when you add the Parmesan and chicken back at the end, then let it wilt in the hot sauce.valentinascorner+1
You get a bit more veg in each bowl without much extra work.spicedblog+1
2. Cajun chicken Alfredokeytomylime+1
Swap the Italian seasoning for 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and a pinch of smoked paprika.keytomylime+1
Use a bit more red pepper flakes if you like heat.chefsavvy+1
Serve with extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce at the table.keytomylime+1
This version leans more toward the spicy Alfredo pasta you see in many comfort-food spots.chefsavvy+1
3. Bacon ranch Alfredobreadboozebacon+1
Cook 6–8 slices of bacon separately until crisp, then crumble.breadboozebacon+1
Add 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix to the slow cooker with the cream and broth at the start.breadboozebacon+1
Stir the bacon into the finished Alfredo along with the chicken and Parmesan.breadboozebacon+1
This is richer and more salty, but it is very popular with kids and game-day crowds.chefsavvy+1
4. Broccoli chicken Alfredonumber-2-pencil+1
When the pasta is almost done, stir in 2–3 cups of small broccoli florets.number-2-pencil+1
Let them cook in the hot sauce for 5–8 minutes, just until crisp-tender and bright green.number-2-pencil+1
You get that classic chicken broccoli Alfredo feel with only one extra step.number-2-pencil+1
5. Lighter lemon herb versiondelish+1
Replace 1 cup of the heavy cream with extra chicken broth.delish+1
When the pasta is done, add the Parmesan as usual, then stir in 2–3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and extra chopped parsley.easychickenrecipes+1
The sauce will be thinner and less rich, but brighter and a bit more fresh-tasting.keytomylime+1
6. No-pasta low-carb optionkeytomylime+1
Cook the chicken and sauce as written, but skip the pasta step.chefsavvy+1
Serve the shredded chicken Alfredo over steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles cooked separately.keytomylime+1
This keeps the creamy feel without the carbs from pasta.chefsavvy+1
Pro tips for slow-cooker Alfredo successthepioneerwoman+1
- Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible, because it melts smoother and blends better into the sauce.thepioneerwoman+1
- Do not add Parmesan at the very beginning; long slow cooking can make cheese separate or get grainy, so add it near the end.thepioneerwoman+1
- Cook chicken on low when you can, because low and slow gives you more tender results.keytomylime+1
- Keep the lid closed during cooking except when you need to shred chicken or stir in pasta.spicedblog+1
- Stir the pasta once or twice while it cooks to help it cook evenly and avoid big clumps.number-2-pencil+1
- If the sauce looks too thick at the end, thin it gradually with warm broth until it coats the pasta but still moves.delish+1
- If the sauce looks thin, let it sit on warm with the lid off for a few minutes so steam can escape and the sauce can reduce.easychickenrecipes+1
- Taste before serving and adjust salt, garlic, pepper, and lemon if you use it; creamy dishes need that last small adjustment.delish+1
- Store leftovers in shallow containers so they cool faster and stay safe.bbc+1
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth and stir gently so the sauce loosens instead of turning gluey.easychickenrecipes+1
FAQ: Slow-cooker chicken Alfredovalentinascorner+1
1. Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch?allrecipes+1
You can.allrecipes+1
Place chicken in the slow cooker, pour jarred Alfredo sauce and some broth over it, and cook until the chicken is done, then add pasta later.allrecipes+1
The flavor will be a bit different and usually less rich than a cream-and-Parmesan base, but it does save time.allrecipes+1
2. Do I have to cook the pasta in the slow cooker?easychickenrecipes+1
No.delish+1
If you prefer more control, you can boil the pasta separately on the stove, drain it, and stir it into the sauce and chicken at the end.number-2-pencil+1
Cooking pasta in the slow cooker is convenient, but it can be a bit softer than traditional stovetop pasta.easychickenrecipes+1
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?chefsavvy+1
Yes, and they actually hold up very well in the slow cooker.keytomylime+1
Boneless, skinless thighs stay moist and are harder to overcook, which many people prefer for crockpot recipes.chefsavvy+1
Just trim excess fat and use roughly the same total weight.keytomylime+1
4. Is it safe to use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?bbc+1
Most food safety advice recommends thawing chicken before slow cooking so it reaches a safe temperature fast enough.bbc+1
If you only have frozen breasts, thaw them in the fridge overnight or use a microwave defrost function first.bbc+1
5. How do I stop the sauce from curdling?delish+1
Use heavy cream, because it handles heat better than low-fat milk.delish+1
Avoid boiling the sauce hard and keep it at a gentle simmer in the slow cooker.easychickenrecipes+1
Add Parmesan at the end rather than at the start and do not cook it on high for a long time after the cheese goes in.thepioneerwoman+1
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?spicedblog+1
You can cook the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and hold them on warm, then add pasta about 40 minutes before you want to eat.spicedblog+1
Fully cooked Alfredo pasta thickens as it sits, so it tastes best the day you make it.easychickenrecipes+1
For next-day meals, plan on thinning the sauce with a little liquid when reheating.easychickenrecipes+1
7. How should I store and reheat leftovers?keytomylime+1
Cool leftovers, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.bbc+1
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth, stirring often, until hot and creamy again.easychickenrecipes+1
8. Can I freeze slow-cooker chicken Alfredo?keytomylime+1
You can freeze it, but cream sauces sometimes separate when thawed.easychickenrecipes+1
If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, adding a bit more cream or milk and whisking to help it smooth out.keytomylime+1