Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is a game changer. Imagine juicy, tender chicken infused with garlic and Italian herbs, all enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce that comes together almost effortlessly thanks to your slow cooker. Served over a bed of fettuccine and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish feels both cozy and elegant, perfect for family meals or impressing dinner guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient truly shines and elevates the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These soak up the savory flavors of the sauce and shred beautifully for a hearty bite in every forkful.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce—it’s rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth, balances the cream, and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Garlic (minced): A must for classic Alfredo; it brings a gentle warmth and aroma.
- Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the chicken with earthy herbs and classic Italian flavor.
- Salt & black pepper: These pantry staples are essential for bringing out all the vibrant flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish and unbeatable texture.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (cooked separately): Fettuccine is traditional, but you can play with your favorites here; cooking it separately ensures perfect texture.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A burst of color and freshness to finish your plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth over the top, then add in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This layering lets the chicken bask in all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours. The chicken will cook gently, staying moist and tender while soaking up that garlicky, herby cream sauce. Your kitchen will smell amazing and you’ll hardly have to lift a finger.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked and wonderfully tender, remove it to a plate. Use two forks to shred it into succulent pieces—an oddly satisfying step! Then, return all that juicy shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
With the chicken back in the creamy sauce, it’s time for the magic: stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt into the sauce, creating an ultra-silky, slightly nutty finish that’s the hallmark of great Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine
While your sauce finishes melding, cook the fettuccine (or your favorite pasta) according to package directions. Drain it well, then add the pasta to the slow cooker. Gently toss everything together so every strand is coated in that dreamy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Dish up your Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo warm, garnishing each plate with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and a fresh, garden flavor. Your meal is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Garnishes
Keep it classic with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley. For a little zip, a touch of cracked black pepper or even a whisper of red pepper flakes never hurts. These finishing touches add visual appeal and just the right balance of flavors.
Side Dishes
This rich dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli or asparagus, or warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any last bits of sauce. The key is something fresh and bright to balance out the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping family dinner, present the Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo in a big serving bowl with fresh herbs on top. You could even go “restaurant style” by twirling portions of pasta into neat nests and topping with chicken. For a fun twist, try serving it over spiralized zucchini or inside a bread bowl for extra indulgence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo, you’re in luck—it keeps beautifully. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for an even more satisfying second helping.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Portion cooled Chicken Alfredo into freezer-safe containers, ideally without the pasta (since noodles can get mushy). Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and add to your reheated sauce and chicken.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave works in a pinch, too—just use short bursts and stir often for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay even juicier and add a slightly richer flavor. Just trim excess fat and cook as directed.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking. It works like a charm!
Is it possible to lighten up this dish?
If you’d like a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for whole wheat pasta. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still comforting.
Can I add vegetables to Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo?
Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for color, nutrition, and extra flavor.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
For the best texture, yes—cooking pasta separately ensures it doesn’t get mushy. It only takes a few minutes and keeps the dish perfectly creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of digging into a big bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo after a long day. It’s cozy, creamy, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes a treasured staple in your recipe rotation.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo for a hassle-free dinner. Tender chicken, savory sauce, and al dente pasta come together in this Italian-American favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Alfredo:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice (cooked separately)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add cream, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred, and return to the slow cooker. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
- Finish Dish: Cook pasta separately, drain, and add to the slow cooker. Toss to coat. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
- Enhance with steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
