Creamy, comforting, and loaded with rich flavor — Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the kind of dinner that makes everyone rush to the table. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety Alfredo sauce made right in your slow cooker, this meal is a dream for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker pasta recipe delivers all the comfort of classic Italian-American cuisine with minimal effort. If you’re craving something hearty, homemade, and hands-free, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into your slow cooker — no constant stirring or stove babysitting required.
- One-Pot Wonder: Pasta, chicken, and sauce cook together for easy prep and cleanup.
- Family Favorite: Creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken make it irresistible, even for picky eaters.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day and come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner.
- Versatile & Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spice it up with crushed red pepper.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Here are the key ingredients that make this dish both creamy and satisfying:
- Chicken Breasts – The star protein, slow-cooked until juicy and tender.
- Penne Pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully and cooks right in the slow cooker.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creates that classic Alfredo texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated cheese gives the sauce a savory, nutty flavor.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with bold flavor and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Enhances the savory base and helps cook the pasta evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Flavor Base: Pour in chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender.
- Shred or Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred or slice it, then set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked penne pasta and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese & Chicken: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Return chicken to the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Serve & Garnish: Spoon into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Expert Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach at the end for extra nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a little heat.
- Go Low-Carb: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles (cook separately and stir in at the end).
- Creamier Option: Add an extra splash of heavy cream or cream cheese if you like it ultra-rich.
- More Cheese, Please: Mix in mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra gooeyness.
How to Store & Reheat
To Store:
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
To Freeze:
Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze perfectly due to its cream base, but you can freeze it if needed. Let thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with added cream.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta, here are a few more creamy, flavor-packed pasta dishes to try next. Each one is rich, hearty, and easy enough for weeknight cooking:
- Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – A cheesy twist on a classic burger in pasta form, loaded with bacon and beef.
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Tender chicken tossed with buttery garlic sauce and pasta for a bold, savory kick.
- Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles – A family-friendly comfort meal with ground beef, bowtie pasta, and creamy Velveeta goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it when you stir in the pasta to warm it through without overcooking.
Will the pasta get mushy in the slow cooker?
Not if you cook it only for 20–30 minutes on HIGH and stir once halfway through. Keep a close eye on texture.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well — just adjust the cook time slightly if needed.
What’s the best cheese for Alfredo sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan is traditional, but Romano or Asiago also add great flavor.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta is everything a busy cook dreams of — simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need an easy dinner to toss together, this recipe will become a staple in your rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to tag your creations or share your experience in the comments. For more delicious slow cooker meals, follow along for weekly recipe inspiration!
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cups penne pasta uncooked
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and butter to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred or slice it, and set aside.
- Add uncooked penne pasta and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes.
- Stir once halfway through to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Once pasta is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Return chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.