Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Tender, slow-cooked chicken is shredded into a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made with cream, garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, then tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta for a meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the chicken to become juicy and flavorful while absorbing the delicious garlic-infused sauce. Once the pasta and cheese are stirred in, every bite becomes irresistibly creamy with a silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully. This recipe is ideal for meal prepping, family gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a restaurant-style dinner at home without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans for a complete meal. Leftovers stay creamy and delicious when reheated, making this recipe perfect for lunches throughout the week. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is guaranteed to become one of your most requested dinners. Rich, comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with flavour, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and melted butter.
- Pour the Alfredo mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente.
- Drain the pasta well without rinsing.
- Add the cooked penne to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Mix gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese has melted completely.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
- Cook the pasta separately to keep it perfectly tender.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-grated cheese.
- Add steamed broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour and colour.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little warm chicken broth or milk before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze without the pasta for the best texture, then cook fresh pasta when reheating.
- Reheat slowly over low heat while stirring occasionally.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs stay especially juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Rotini, rigatoni, fettuccine, or bow ties are all excellent choices.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken and Alfredo sauce ahead of time, then stir in freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 6
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 690
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Calcium: 30% DV
- Iron: 15% DV