Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs); 3 cups chicken broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1 stick (½ cup) butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for enhanced flavor); 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese; 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the sauce with deep flavors while keeping the chicken juicy. It’s a fuss-free, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love creamy, indulgent pasta but don’t have time to stand by the stove, this slow cooker version of Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a dream come true. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays tender and absorbs the rich, garlicky Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Meanwhile, the pasta soaks up all that creamy goodness without becoming mushy.

This recipe requires minimal prep—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. You won’t need a separate pan for making the Alfredo sauce, as it all comes together in one pot. The result? A decadent, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s effortless to make at home. Plus, the leftovers taste just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prep.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness – While chicken breasts work well, thighs remain moist and flavorful even after slow cooking.
Shred the chicken before adding pasta – This ensures every bite has a perfect balance of sauce, chicken, and pasta.
Stir in the cheese gradually – Adding Parmesan too quickly can make the sauce grainy; mix it in small batches.

Don’t overcook the pasta – Add pasta during the last 20-30 minutes to avoid it turning mushy.
Thin the sauce if needed – If the sauce thickens too much, stir in extra warm milk or chicken broth.

Yield: Serves 6

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, slow-cooked chicken Alfredo pasta with tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting, easy meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 hours

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
3 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk
1 stick (½ cup) butter
5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for enhanced flavor)
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk. Add the butter and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine.

Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add an extra splash of milk or broth.

Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir well to coat it in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in more warm milk or broth.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy your Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta!

Notes

If using long pasta like fettuccine, break it in half before adding to the slow cooker for easier mixing.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so add extra liquid when reheating.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 569Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 129mgSodium 1332mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 29g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta plays an important role in achieving its rich, creamy texture and deep flavor.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Chicken breasts create a leaner dish, while thighs offer more moisture and tenderness.
Heavy Cream – The base of a classic Alfredo sauce, giving it a luxurious creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese – Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce consistency. Pre-shredded cheese can lead to grainy textures.

Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor and helps the sauce stay silky without being overly thick.
Butter & Garlic – Essential for infusing the dish with rich, savory notes. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
Pasta (Penne, Fettuccine, or Rotini) – Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well. Short pasta like penne is easiest to stir into the slow cooker.

Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Nutmeg) – A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess of Alfredo sauce. Italian seasoning adds a herby touch.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize this Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta to your preferences? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:

Lighter Version – Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.

Extra Veggies – Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
Protein Swap – Instead of chicken, use shrimp (added in the last 15 minutes) or cooked sausage slices.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta, but cook it separately to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Spicy Twist – Add red pepper flakes or a bit of Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Bacon Lovers’ Version – Crumble crispy bacon over the pasta before serving for a smoky, salty crunch.

Storage Options

This Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta stores well and reheats beautifully.

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing – While the sauce may separate slightly, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.