Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta turns an ordinary dinner into a family favorite with minimal effort. This recipe transforms chicken and pasta into a creamy, lusciously textured meal that rivals any restaurant-worthy dish. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make right in your own home with little to no prep.
As the chicken and pasta slowly cook, they absorb the rich flavors of the Alfredo sauce, becoming tender and pull-apart delicious. This classic dish doesn’t just save you a splurge on takeout. It becomes a new and cherished addition to your family’s favorite recipes.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Used for easy shredding after being slow-cooked. Served as the main protein in the dish.
- Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for the Alfredo sauce and adds nutrients when made from bone broth.
- Herb & garlic seasoning: Enhances the cheesy flavors of the Alfredo sauce.
- Salt: Added in just a pinch to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cream cheese: Offers a creamy base and right thickness to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Fresh-grated is the optimal choice, though shredded is also acceptable.
- Cornstarch and water: Used to thicken the sauce towards the end of cooking.
- Noodles: Classic fettuccine noodles are typically used, but other types like penne, fusilli, or bow-tie can be swapped in for varied texture.
- Chopped parsley: Used as a garnish to add a fresh and herbal touch to the finished dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Preparing Your Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker.
Next, top the chicken with cream cheese and shredded parmesan.
You can choose to cook this on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The slow, gentle cooking will infuse the chicken with flavors and make it deliciously tender.
- Cooking the Pasta
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Keep the chicken aside in a dish.
In the meantime, prepare a slurry of cornstarch and water and add this back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Use a whisk to stir the slow cooker mixture until the parmesan and cream cheese are combined and smooth.
- Final Steps
Break the dry noodles in half and add them into the slow cooker during the latter part of the cooking time.
Make sure to set the cooker on low or high depending on how quickly you want the pasta done. Top the noodles with chicken and cover the slow cooker.
Crank it up to high and let the noodles cook for about 30-60 minutes, stirring them a few times to prevent them from sticking.
If the noodles are still tough after the allotted time, add extra water or broth in small increments until they’re cooked to al dente.
Additional Tip: If you feel that the Alfredo sauce is too thick, just pour half cup of chicken broth and let it cook for 5 minutes on low flame.
Add more water or broth if the pasta is not cooked.
What To Serve With Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Pair your chicken Alfredo pasta with a crunchy Caesar salad and garlic bread for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Enhance your meal with Sautéed Carrots drizzled with Honey or Roasted Asparagus seasoned with Lemon Pepper.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Use frozen vegetables to enhance your meal such as green veggies.
- If you want, cook the noodles or pasta in a separate pot.
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the meal properly, put the leftovers in a tight container. You can enjoy it for 3 days in the fridge and freeze for up to 3 months. Whenever you want to use it again, just thaw it and heat it in the microwave. Your meal is ready to eat. TADAA!
For More Recipes
– Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
– Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta
– Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Can I pan-sear my chicken to make It crispy
Absolutely! For a crispy texture, I always pan-sear the chicken breast before adding it to the slow cooker. This step locks in the flavor and gives your Chicken Alfredo delightful crunch.
Do I put uncooked pasta into the slow cooker
Yes, you can directly add uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. The pasta cooks perfectly with the other ingredients. If using leftover cooked pasta, just toss it in near the end to get it heated without turning mushy.
Do I have to shred my chicken
Not necessarily. While some prefer to shred the chicken, I find cutting it into small pieces or the size you desire works just as well for Chicken Alfredo.
When do I know when my chicken is fully cooked through
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reads 165°F. Always use a thermometer to check to ensure your chicken is safely cooked.
