Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489873H46M14S
Total time: PT-489873H46M14S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (not shredded); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning; ½ tsp. salt; ½ tsp. black pepper; 8 oz. penne pasta or your preferred pasta, cooked according to package instructions; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 32 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy dinner that feels indulgent yet stays wonderfully easy, this Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe is an absolute game changer. Picture tender chicken breasts slowly simmered in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce made from rich heavy cream, sharp parmesan, and fragrant garlic—all combined effortlessly in your slow cooker. The best part? You come home to a deliciously fragrant kitchen and a meal that’s perfectly cooked, ready to be tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and simple prep, making it one of my all-time favorite dishes to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval dish holds three pieces of raw chicken submerged in a creamy, herb-speckled marinade. The marinade is light beige with small green and black herb flecks evenly spread throughout. The chicken pieces are pale pink, partially covered with white crumbly bits mixed into the sauce. The dish sits on a wooden table with a red and white checkered cloth on the lower left corner, a bulb of garlic and green parsley on the lower right, and two wooden bowls filled with coarse salt and mixed peppercorns placed near the upper right edge. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building that classic Alfredo flavor and comforting texture you crave. Every item you add layers depth and richness that makes this dish truly special.

1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that will become tender and juicy by slow cooking.
2 cups heavy cream: This gives the sauce its delightful creaminess and rich mouthfeel.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce—be sure to use grated, not shredded!
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning: A herb blend that brightens and rounds out the creamy flavors.
½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
½ tsp. black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and spice.
8 oz. penne pasta or preferred pasta, cooked: The perfect vessel to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This allows the meat to absorb all the rich flavors from the cream, garlic, and seasonings as it cooks low and slow, turning incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This homemade Alfredo sauce blend is what transforms simple ingredients into something magically creamy and aromatic.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour your sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened into that perfect velvety consistency.

Step 4: Shred or Slice the Chicken

Once cooked, you can either shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or slice it neatly—whichever you prefer—so it mixes beautifully with the sauce and pasta.

Step 5: Toss with Cooked Pasta

Add your cooked penne or favorite pasta straight into the slow cooker and toss gently to coat every bite in the creamy Alfredo goodness. If the sauce needs a little loosening, a splash of pasta water or some extra cream can help.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe

The image shows a white round slow cooker filled with two layers: at the bottom, there is a creamy white sauce with green herb specks visible in the texture, and on top, uncooked yellow penne pasta pieces are spread, covering the sauce almost completely. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface with part of a red and white checkered cloth in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top is a simple but stunning way to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle herbal bite that complements the richness beautifully. A little extra parmesan grated over the top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the creaminess and add fresh or crunchy textures. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are also lovely options to round out this hearty meal without competing with the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe baked under a broiler with a sprinkle of mozzarella or a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a gratin-style finish. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or fold into a warm wrap for an easy lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, freeze the cooked chicken and Alfredo sauce mixture separately from the pasta to avoid sogginess. Both can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce and keep it silky smooth during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and will add extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor to your Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe.

Do I need to precook the pasta before adding it?

Yes, it’s best to cook the pasta separately so you can toss it with the sauce at the end. Adding uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and a mushy texture.

Can I use a lighter cream or milk for the sauce?

Heavy cream is key for that classic Alfredo creaminess. Using lighter cream or milk will thin the sauce and change the texture, but you can try half-and-half if you prefer a lighter dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, but the slow cooker really allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become extra tender without much hands-on time. On the stovetop, you’d need to watch and stir more frequently.

How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?

You can stir in a bit more grated parmesan at the end or simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes on the stove to reduce and thicken it before adding the pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe is one of those blissful dinners that’s as comforting as a big warm hug. It truly proves that with just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can have an effortlessly elegant meal that’ll impress your taste buds and your loved ones alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular part of your cozy dinner rotation!