Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The Best Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a delectable crockpot chicken alfredo pasta brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Slow-cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into a creamy, luxurious meal that feels like a warm hug.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors.

Rich parmesan and smooth cream weave magic into every single bite.

Busy weeknights demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe delivers without complicated techniques.

Fragrant herbs and gentle simmering promise a meal that connects you with pure culinary joy.

Let’s make dinner extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Chicken Alfredo Crockpot Pasta Components

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the hearty base of the dish, lean and easy to shred.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and creamy texture to the pasta.
Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor for cooking chicken and pasta.
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that gives the dish its signature rich and smooth consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances sauce richness and creates extra velvety texture.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Brings intense, savory flavor to the entire dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herb blend for authentic Italian taste.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
Pasta and Garnish:
  • Pasta (Penne or Rotini): Holds sauce well and provides hearty base for the meal.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green garnish that adds fresh visual appeal and light herb notes.

How to Cook Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts into the crockpot.

Sprinkle with seasonings including salt, black pepper, and Italian herb blend to infuse deep flavors.

Step 2: Add Liquid Goodness

Pour chicken broth and creamy Alfredo sauce over the chicken.

Toss in freshly minced garlic for an aromatic boost.

Step 3: Let the Magic Begin

Cover the crockpot and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.

Step 4: Shred and Return

Carefully remove chicken from the crockpot.

Shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return to the cooking liquid.

Step 5: Pasta Time

Gently stir in heavy cream and uncooked pasta.

Cover and continue cooking for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Cheese and Final Touches

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly.

Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the creamy pasta while hot.

Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Alfredo Pasta in the Crockpot Made Creamy With Foolproof Steps

  • Generously season chicken breasts before cooking to enhance overall taste and ensure deeper, more robust seasoning throughout the dish.
  • Stir pasta occasionally and check consistency to avoid mushy texture, ensuring perfectly al dente noodles in the creamy sauce.
  • Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences and quick meal variations.
  • Add extra Parmesan cheese or a splash of cream to adjust sauce thickness and create a more luxurious, velvety consistency.
  • Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then reheat gently in the crockpot for an easy, stress-free meal that tastes freshly made.

Store Alfredo Pasta From Crockpot Neatly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken Alfredo pasta stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Transfer pasta to skillet, add small amount of cream or broth. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to maintain creamy texture and prevent sticking.
  • Can freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve pasta's quality and prevent sauce separation.

Side Companions for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with buttery notes that complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, enhancing the rich chicken flavors.
  • Serve with Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Create a perfect side that absorbs the sauce and adds a crunchy texture to balance the creamy pasta dish.
  • Toss Fresh Caesar Salad: Prepare a light, tangy salad with crisp romaine lettuce and zesty dressing to cut through the richness of the Alfredo pasta.
  • Garnish with Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle crunchy, nutty pine nuts on top for added texture and a subtle earthy flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Slow-Cooked to Creamy Perfection

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use certified gluten-free Alfredo sauce and check chicken broth for gluten-free certification.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute Alfredo sauce with dairy-free cream sauce made from cashew milk, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cream. Use dairy-free Parmesan alternative or omit cheese.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash. Use lighter cream sauce and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu, plant-based chicken alternatives, or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shorter pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties work great because they cook evenly in the crockpot and absorb the sauce well.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute Alfredo sauce with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Choose a plant-based Parmesan cheese replacement for a dairy-free version.

  • How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Add pasta during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking and stir occasionally. Using shorter pasta and monitoring the cooking time helps maintain the right texture.

Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Why It’s A Creamy Dream

  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Solve dinner dilemmas with this effortless one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Crockpot method lets you toss ingredients together and walk away, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without constant monitoring.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy pasta combined with tender chicken creates a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its comforting, rich taste.
  • Time-Saving Convenience: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 5 hours with minimal active cooking time, making it ideal for work-from-home or busy households.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot chicken alfredo pasta brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Parmesan-laden sauce and tender chicken create a hearty meal that satisfies hungry diners effortlessly.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 jar (15 ounces or 425 grams) Alfredo sauce

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Pasta:

  • 2 cups (340 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Nestle seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot, coating them thoroughly with salt, pepper, and Italian herb blend.
  2. Gently cascade chicken broth and creamy Alfredo sauce over the meat, sprinkling minced garlic for aromatic depth.
  3. Secure the lid and slow-cook on low temperature, allowing chicken to become supremely tender over 4-5 hours.
  4. Carefully extract chicken from the liquid, transform into bite-sized pieces by shredding or chopping, then reintroduce to the sauce.
  5. Pour in rich heavy cream and raw pasta, ensuring each ingredient is submerged in the velvety liquid.
  6. Continue cooking with occasional gentle stirring, monitoring pasta’s absorption and texture for approximately 30-45 minutes.
  7. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, folding smoothly to create a luxurious, silky consistency.
  8. Taste and refine seasoning, adding pinches of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
  9. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with delicate parsley sprigs for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use thin chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness in the crockpot.
  • Choose shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini that cook evenly and absorb sauce well in slow cooking.
  • Add heavy cream and pasta in the last 30-45 minutes to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for alternative dietary needs, and use low-fat Alfredo sauce for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star