Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, creamy comfort of Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo, especially when it’s made effortlessly in a Crockpot. This lightened-up version of the classic dish is both satisfying and guilt-free, using low-fat cream and whole wheat pasta to bring you that indulgent flavor without the extra heaviness.

With minimal prep and cleanup, you can simply throw the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do all the work. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is tender and the sauce turns out rich and silky.

Why You’ll Like this Chicken Alfredo in the Slow Cooker

• It’s a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and guilt-free: it’s lighter than traditional heavy sauce but still feels indulgent. Low-fat cream and whole wheat pasta make it lighter without cutting out flavor
• It’s so easy and you can prep ahead: Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of creamy, savory goodness welcoming you. 
• Minimal prep and cleanup: It’s slow cooked in one pot, ensuring the chicken is perfectly tender and the sauce is silky smooth. It’s a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort! 

Ingredient for Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

To make the perfect Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a go-to—they become tender and juicy after slow cooking. High-quality Parmesan is also key here—the rich, nutty flavor elevates the dish.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• 8-ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 12-ounce uncooked rigatoni pasta
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, as a garnish

Dietary Adjustments

How to make Chicken Alfredo keto:

Zucchini noodles are a great keto-friendly option, adding a lighter twist without affecting the flavor too much. It’s also a great way to get in extra veggies! Or you could use a keto-friendly noodle, such as konjac noodles. 

How to make Chicken Alfredo dairy-free:

Coconut milk or almond milk can replace cream, though expect a slightly different taste—coconut adds a hint of sweetness, which some people love. You can still keep the cheese by using vegan cashew cheese.

How to make Chicken Alfredo gluten-free:

Simply swap out wheat-based noodles with gluten-free noodles. You can use gluten-free egg noodles, which work great in my Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Chickpea or rice noodles are a good option.

Time-Saving Tips

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken. You can use my already-made slow cooker shredded chicken recipe, baked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or sauteed chicken. This allows you to skip the slow cooking step. However, the chicken won’t be as fork-tender.

Instant Pot Option: If you’re short on time or just looking to mix things up, you can use an Instant Pot or oven to cook this recipe. The Instant Pot version is a lifesaver—it cooks the chicken and pasta in one pot, all in under 5 minutes. 

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

1. Stir together the heavy cream, chicken stock, cream cheese, and all seasonings in a crockpot or slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts to the pot.
2. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours.
3. Remove the chicken breasts and place them on a plate to cool slightly. Shred with two forks, cover with foil, and set aside.
4. Stir together the sauce and uncooked pasta in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and shredded chicken into the pasta until evenly coated.
6. Serve garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes & Expert Tips

Overcooking the chicken: Luckily the slow cooker makes chicken fork tender

Too much liquid: Many people think more is better, but that can leave you with a watery sauce rather than the creamy texture you want.

Try using the low setting on your slow cooker: This gentle heat helps the chicken stay juicy while allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. It’s also great if you want to start this recipe earlier in the day.

Serving Suggestions

Start by putting the pasta in a deep bowl so the creamy sauce can really gather around those rigatoni. Then, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice pop of color and freshness!

Add extra garnishes

You can also throw in some roasted veggies like cherry tomatoes or broccoli on the side for that extra pop of color and crunch. For a complete meal, pair it with some crispy garlic bread.

FAQs

Which noodles to use for Chicken Alfredo

You can use any pasta of your choice, but fettucinio is the most common. For this recipe, I used rigatoni pasta because the shape holds in more of the creamy sauce. You can also use spaghetti, angel hair, or pretty much any noodle.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan is traditional, you can use Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk, and grab some dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini not only boosts nutrition but also adds vibrant color to your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo.

Storage and Leftovers

To keep your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

For batch cooking, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the chicken Alfredo in individual portions or as a whole. It will store in the freezer for up to 4 months with the best texture. Defrost it in the fridge before reheating.

More Slow Cooker Recipes You Might Like

• Slow Cooker Chicken Pho Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Short Ribs
• Slow Cooker Turkey Marsala
• Slow Cooker Carnitas Breakfast Tacos

Or browse all my slow cooker dinner recipes.

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Written by Matt | Plating Pixels

This rich and creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo has minimal prep and cleanup. Simply throw the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do all the work.

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Entree, Pasta, Slow Cooker

Cuisine American, French

Servings 8 people

Calories 552 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• 8 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta uncooked
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley as a garnish

Instructions

 

• Stir together the heavy cream, chicken stock, cream cheese, and all seasonings in a crockpot or slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts to the pot.
• Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours.
• Remove the chicken breasts and place them on a plate to cool slightly. Shred with two forks, cover with foil, and set aside.
• Stir together the sauce and uncooked pasta in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and shredded chicken into the pasta until evenly coated.
• Serve garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Serving Size

 

1 portion

Amount per Serving

Calories

552

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

31

g

48

%

Saturated Fat

 

18

g

113

%

Trans Fat

 

0.01

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

2

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

8

g

Cholesterol

 

140

mg

47

%

Sodium

 

522

mg

23

%

Potassium

 

565

mg

16

%

Carbohydrates

 

38

g

13

%

Fiber

 

2

g

8

%

Sugar

 

4

g

4

%

Protein

 

30

g

60

%

Vitamin A

 

1129

IU

23

%

Vitamin C

 

1

mg

1

%

Calcium

 

139

mg

14

%

Iron

 

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Alfredo Chicken slow cooker, Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

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