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If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly divine meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe. Picture tender chicken breast simmering gently in a luscious sauce of cream, butter, and cream cheese, infused with just the right blend of Italian seasoning and garlic, all coming together with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, and the slow cooker does most of the work, making dinner both effortless and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that combine beautifully to create authentic Alfredo flavor and texture. Each one plays a role in delivering that rich, velvety sauce and juicy chicken that feels indulgent but approachable.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders: The star protein that soaks up all the creamy goodness while staying tender and juicy.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Essential for that rich, silky Alfredo sauce base that coats every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended): Adds savory depth and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (sliced): Contributes a smooth richness and rounds out the flavor.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy with a subtle tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that brings that unmistakable Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper: Adds a mild kick without overpowering the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the sauce a savory punch and depth.
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta (uncooked): The perfect sturdy pasta shape to hold that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and thickens the sauce as it melts.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and fresh flavor to brighten the dish at the end.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken breast tenders at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken so it’s nicely covered. Add the sliced butter, cubed cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This mix is the foundation of your creamy sauce, and layering it this way ensures the chicken gently absorbs all those rich flavors as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until the Chicken is Perfectly Tender
Cover the slow cooker and set to high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Patience here really pays off — the chicken becomes fork-tender and infused with the creamy sauce, melting in your mouth. This slow cooking method also thickens the sauce beautifully without any extra effort.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Whisk the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the tenders and place them on a large plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, whisk the sauce in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy. This step transforms the sauce into that signature Alfredo texture you love, ready to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Parmesan Cheese
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the uncooked rigatoni pasta along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Re-cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the rigatoni becomes wonderfully tender and soaks up the creamy sauce. The pasta finishes off the dish perfectly, creating a hearty one-pot meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Garnish
Once your pasta is tender and the sauce is rich and thick, it’s time to serve. Spoon generous portions onto plates, and if you like, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. The parsley adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy richness. Get ready for compliments with every bite!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is an easy way to brighten up the dish visually and add a subtle, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little extra grated Parmesan or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add some extra personality to your Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance the richness. Think a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even some garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that Alfredo sauce. These sides add texture and freshness, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in large family-style bowls for a cozy get-together, or plate individual portions garnished with parsley and Parmesan for an elegant touch. You can even add sautéed mushrooms or spinach stirred in at the end for an extra layer of flavor and color. This flexibility makes the Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so you can loosen it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep that gorgeous creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well in portions. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of cream or broth if needed to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe is on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. You can add a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess if it feels too thick. Alternatively, the microwave works well if you stir every 45 seconds to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to add extra cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through completely. Using frozen chicken may require cooking on low for about 7 hours instead of 5.
Can I substitute the rigatoni pasta for another type?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works beautifully, penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle will also absorb the sauce nicely. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some pasta shapes may cook quicker or slower.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can lighten this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing butter, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Alternatively, try Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking to add creaminess with less fat.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Slow and gentle mixing is key. Whisk the sauce carefully after removing the chicken and avoid cooking the pasta too long in the slow cooker. If the sauce separates while reheating, add a little cream or broth and whisk vigorously over low heat.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Add spinach or peas in the last 15 minutes, and sauté mushrooms separately before stirring them in so they don’t release too much moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a special occasion meal but is so easy to make any night of the week. The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes it an instant comfort food hit. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious, cozy bite with your loved ones.
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Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo is a rich and creamy slow-cooked pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, butter, cream cheese, and Parmesan. The rigatoni pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors for a comforting and fuss-free meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless raw chicken breast tenders
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (sliced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and sauce: Place the chicken breast tenders in a large slow cooker. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken. Add sliced butter, cubed cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred with a fork.
- Shred chicken and mix sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large plate. Whisk the sauce in the slow cooker thoroughly until smooth. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
- Add pasta and Parmesan: Stir in the uncooked rigatoni pasta and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Re-cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender to your liking.
- Serve and garnish: Once the pasta is cooked, serve the Chicken Alfredo hot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for color and freshness.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content of the dish.
- Ensure the rigatoni pasta is fully submerged in the sauce when cooking so it cooks evenly.
- Slow cooker times may vary depending on your model; check the chicken doneness before shredding.
- If the sauce is too thick after pasta is cooked, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- For a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half but the sauce will be less rich.
