Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is an easy and tasty meal you can make without much work. Just put all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the job. The result is creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken that’s perfect for a quick and filling dinner.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
This recipe stands out because it combines convenience and comfort flawlessly. When life gets hectic, you want meals that are quick to start and deliver big on flavor — this dish checks both boxes. The use of chicken thighs adds juicy tenderness, and the slow cooker lets the cream cheese and butter dissolve into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
The addition of simple seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs keeps the flavors familiar and satisfying. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps — just a slow cooker and a handful of staples from your pantry and fridge. It’s perfect if you’re new to cooking or want to simplify your dinner routine.
Also, this recipe yields plenty, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a family. Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste just as delicious the next day. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a reliable go-to.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked ziti pasta
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Directions
Start by placing the boneless chicken thighs in your crockpot. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, and butter right on top of the chicken. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for flavor. Give it a gentle stir to combine ingredients, but don’t worry about mixing thoroughly—slow cooking will meld the flavors.
Cover and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours. The chicken should become tender and fully cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This shredding step is key to ensuring you get pieces that will soak up the delicious sauce.
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot. Add the uncooked ziti pasta and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly. Replace the lid and cook again on HIGH for another 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape well.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You want the flavors balanced but not too salty. Serve the Crockpot Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. This will add brightness and a bit of texture contrast to the creamy dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
This dish is best served right from the crockpot while it’s still warm and creamy. Spoon generous portions onto plates or shallow bowls to show off the tender shredded chicken mixed into the cheesy pasta. The sauce should cling beautifully to every bite, making each forkful indulgent.
Pair your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Lightly dressed greens or roasted broccoli complement the creamy pasta and add freshness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also make great sides, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
For an extra special touch, sprinkle more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top just before serving. The fresh herbs brighten the flavors and add a lovely color contrast. Whether you’re enjoying this for a family dinner or casual gathering, serving it warm and fresh ensures the best texture and taste.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
To get the best results from this recipe, choose boneless skinless chicken thighs rather than breasts. Thighs stay juicy and tender during slow cooking, which prevents the dish from drying out. The cream and cheese create a rich sauce, but the chicken texture makes the meal satisfying and hearty.
Use cubed cream cheese and butter for even melting throughout the sauce. This helps the mixture become smooth without clumps. Stir gently when adding the pasta to avoid breaking the noodles. It’s also important to add pasta only after shredding the chicken, so it doesn’t overcook.
If your crockpot runs hot, check the pasta a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid mushiness. You want noodles that are soft but still have a bite. For seasoning, taste and adjust salt and pepper last, as the parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the dish.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth by ¼ cup or add more cream cheese. You can also mix in a little garlic salt or fresh garlic for a bolder flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano if you want a different twist.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
To keep your Crockpot Chicken Alfredo fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce may separate and change texture after thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, reheat carefully and stir thoroughly to recombine the ingredients. For best taste and texture, plan to enjoy within a few days of cooking.
If you want to prep ahead, you can cook the chicken and sauce portion in the crockpot first, then refrigerate separately from the pasta. Add the pasta fresh and cook just before serving. This helps maintain pasta texture if you’re not serving immediately.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
You can customize this recipe in many ways to suit your taste or dietary needs. Swap the ziti pasta for penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred. Using different pasta shapes won’t affect cooking time much but can add variety.
For a veggie boost, add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets in the last 30 minutes with the pasta. These vegetables soften while retaining some bite and add color and nutrients. If you want a bit of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before cooking.
To make it lighter, try using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich but still creamy. For extra flavor, stir in fresh garlic or swap Italian seasoning for a mix of basil, thyme, and rosemary.
If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes. This will change the flavor but still create a creamy texture. Always adjust seasonings accordingly when trying variations to maintain balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
What type of chicken works best for Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking. You can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! You can substitute any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free varieties. Just be sure to check the pasta cooking time so it doesn’t overcook in the slow cooker.
Is it okay to add vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli in the last 30 minutes with the pasta adds nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times so vegetables don’t get too soft.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and refrigerate separately from the pasta. Add pasta and cook just before serving for best texture.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended due to sauce separation.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! It makes a great meal prep dish since it stores well and reheats easily. Portion into containers for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing Bowl
- Forks
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked ziti pasta
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and butter on top.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning over the ingredients. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add uncooked ziti pasta and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.