Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
If there’s one cozy meal that brings creamy comfort with minimal effort, it’s Crockpot Chicken Alfredo. This dish delivers ultra-tender chicken in a luscious, cheesy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection while you get on with your day. Whether you serve it for family dinner or when you’re hosting friends, this recipe never fails to impress. Trust me, after just one bite, it’ll become your go-to for effortless weeknight indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building unbeatable flavor, silky texture, and gorgeous presentation. Let’s take a look at what makes every component special.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay super tender and juicy during slow cooking, adding savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that rich, velvety Alfredo sauce you’ll want to lick off your plate.
- Chicken Broth: Provides savory undertones and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Cream Cheese (cubed): Melts down for extra creaminess and a slight tang that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter (cubed): Adds silkiness and helps marry all the flavors together.
- Garlic Powder: Want that unmistakable Alfredo aroma and taste? This does the trick.
- Onion Powder: Subtle but essential, rounding out the flavors without overpowering.
- Italian Seasoning: A pinch of herbs brightens the whole dish and gives it that classic Italian flair.
- Uncooked Ziti Pasta: Sturdy noodles that cook perfectly in the creamy sauce for maximum flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: The king of cheese brings exquisite salty, nutty notes to finish the dish.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of green livens up the plate and adds fresh aroma.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: The final seasoning to bring everything into delicious harmony.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Prep and Start the Slow Cooker
Place your chicken thighs, heavy cream, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning directly into the crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir so the chicken is nestled into the creamy mixture. Cover and set to HIGH for 2 hours. This is the magic window where the chicken turns melt-in-your-mouth tender and the base of your Alfredo sauce comes together effortlessly.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Add Pasta
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the uncooked ziti and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover again and continue to cook on HIGH for about 30 minutes. The noodles will soak up all the creamy sauce and become perfectly al dente—no need to boil separately!
Step 3: Final Seasoning and Serve
When the pasta is tender and the sauce looks rich and thick, it’s time for the finishing touches. Season the Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topping each portion with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley and, if you’re feeling extra, an added dusting of parmesan cheese. This is Alfredo at its absolute dreamiest.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Garnishes
A shower of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley take Crockpot Chicken Alfredo over the top. For a little zing, try a pinch of cracked black pepper, or even some crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers. The garnish not only looks fantastic but adds that final layer of flavor you’ll crave.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta is absolutely wonderful paired with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or even garlic bread make classic companions, balancing the creamy sauce and making it a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give Crockpot Chicken Alfredo a fresh twist, try serving it in shallow bowls topped with lemon zest, or pile it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch. You can even portion it into ramekins and bake under a broiler for a bubbly, golden top. The possibilities are endless—and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crockpot Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making second helpings even more irresistible. Be sure to cool the leftovers before sealing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. For best texture, freeze without pasta and cook fresh noodles later, though the complete dish will still be delicious if frozen as-is for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Crockpot Chicken Alfredo in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often, until it’s creamy and hot. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce, and stirring at intervals for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay extra juicy, chicken breasts work well too. Just keep an eye on cook time so they don’t dry out. You’ll still get a lovely, rich Alfredo sauce.
Can I make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne. Just check the pasta after about 20 minutes, as gluten-free varieties can cook more quickly and might need less time in the slow cooker.
What can I add for more flavor?
Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even chopped spinach at the end for extra color and flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest also adds a wonderful, unexpected layer to the Alfredo sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
You sure can! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to handle the doubled quantities, and allow for an extra 15-20 minutes of pasta cooking time if needed. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for meal leftovers.
Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even shells are great choices for soaking up the creamy Alfredo sauce. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti, as they tend to clump together in the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is the answer. Every bite is creamy, satisfying, and likely to put a smile on everyone’s face. Give it a try—you’ll see just how easy and rewarding homemade comfort food can be!
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Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and delicious, this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Alfredo:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked ziti pasta
- fresh chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Add chicken thighs, heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, butter, and seasonings to a crockpot. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken and Add Pasta: Remove chicken from the slow cooker, shred it, and return it back to the slow cooker along with the pasta and parmesan cheese. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese for serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a richer sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Chicken Alfredo
