If you love comfort food with minimal fuss, Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is about to become your new weeknight hero. This ultra-creamy pasta features succulent chicken breasts simmered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, all finished off with perfectly cooked fettuccine—made right in your slow cooker! Whether you’re feeding your family or having friends over for a cozy meal, this dish is as effortless as it is delicious. Each bite captures the spirit of Italian-American cooking, but with all the ease your busy schedule needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of kitchen staples is all it takes to achieve that signature silkiness, irresistible flavor, and the kind of cozy meal you want to serve again and again. Each ingredient here brings something special to the table!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts stay juicy and tender after hours in the slow cooker, soaking up all that creamy Alfredo goodness.
- Heavy cream: The star of a good Alfredo, it creates a decadent, velvety sauce you’ll want to mop up to the last drop.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth that balances the richness and helps the sauce achieve the perfect consistency.
- Garlic: Four cloves bring that classic, aromatic punch that Alfredo sauce simply can’t be without.
- Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon infuses the sauce with warmth and herby notes.
- Salt: A half teaspoon rounds out all the flavors, pulling everything together into a harmonious bite.
- Black pepper: A little goes a long way for gentle heat and complexity.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives heft to the sauce with salty, nutty flavor.
- Fettuccine pasta (broken in half): Cooks up tender right in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up every drop of Alfredo.
- Butter: Swirled in at the end for even more richness and a glossy finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, guaranteeing each serving is extra creamy and dreamy.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and fresh flavor as a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Layer and Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts snugly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour over the heavy cream and chicken broth—these will become the base of your glorious Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle on the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to nestle all those flavors together. This first step guarantees that your chicken will be infused with plenty of rich, creamy goodness from the start.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Seal on the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic! Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high if you’re in a hurry for 2 to 3 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through, fork-tender, and ready to shred. The aroma will fill your kitchen and might just draw everyone in before it’s time to eat.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Carefully lift out the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks—you’ll notice how incredibly tender they are! Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker so it can soak up every bit of that developing Alfredo sauce. This is one of those little steps that ensures every bite of pasta gets a heaping forkful of tasty chicken in each twist.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese
Time for pasta perfection! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the uncooked fettuccine noodles (broken in half so they cook evenly). Nestle the noodles into the sauce and cover again. Cook on high for another 30 to 40 minutes, giving everything a stir once or twice to keep the noodles from sticking together. When the pasta is just tender, you’re almost there!
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Mozzarella
When your fettuccine is perfectly cooked, swirl in the butter and mozzarella cheese. These final additions make the sauce extra luscious and irresistible, clinging to each strand of pasta and morsel of chicken. Stir until the cheese is gooey and the butter is fully melted for that signature silky Alfredo finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Garnishes
Add a flourish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over each serving of Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo. The bright green color and fresh taste beautifully complement the creamy, cheesy richness and make every bowl look irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This creamy entrée welcomes the company of crisp, garlicky bread or a tangy green salad to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables—think broccoli or asparagus—make healthy, flavorful additions that round out your meal and soak up the sauce in all the right ways.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo in individual bowls topped with extra Parmesan and a twist of black pepper. Or, turn leftovers into a delicious cheesy bake by topping with breadcrumbs and reheating under the broiler until bubbly and golden. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to a month! Just let it cool, pack individual portions into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in the microwave or gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until hot and creamy, and garnish with more fresh parsley if you like.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo, you can easily swap in penne, linguine, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—thinner or thicker pasta shapes may require a little adjustment.
How do I lighten up this recipe?
If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still get a satisfyingly creamy sauce with a bit less richness.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas right at the end of cooking for a boost of color, nutrition, and flavor. The slow cooker base is wonderfully forgiving and welcomes veggies of all kinds.
Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep most ingredients the night before—just add the pasta fresh during the final cooking step to ensure the best texture. Store chopped chicken and pre-measured seasonings in the fridge, then assemble and cook the next day.
What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The Alfredo sauce base remains perfectly silky and delicious with gluten-free noodles.
Final Thoughts
One bite and you’ll see why Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is such a standout classic for busy families and pasta lovers alike. It’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and maximum payoff—so go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate creamy comfort food tonight!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and comforting meal with this Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe. Tender chicken cooked in a rich alfredo sauce, served over fettuccine pasta – a perfect dish for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Chicken Alfredo:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Finish:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (broken in half)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred, and return to the slow cooker.
- Add Pasta: Stir in Parmesan cheese and fettuccine. Cook for an additional 30–40 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in butter and mozzarella until creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can use penne or linguine instead of fettuccine.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *