If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and cheesy flavors with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all coming together effortlessly in your slow cooker. This dish elevates classic Alfredo to a whole new level by slow-cooking everything to creamy perfection, making weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. Once you try this, it’ll quickly become a repeat favorite in your household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the creamy butter and cream cheese that give the sauce its silky texture, to the fresh garlic that adds just the right amount of aromatic punch. The Parmesan cheese brings that nutty, savory finish while the chicken broth keeps everything perfectly moist and flavorful.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Kerrygold butter is recommended to boost richness and creaminess.
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Adds incredible creaminess and body to the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Use freshly ground for the best peppery kick.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Brings aromatic depth and a touch of zing to the Alfredo.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: The tender protein star of the dish.
- 8 oz penne pasta (cooked separately): Holds the creamy sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream: The key to that luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce.
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): No pre-shredded here; real Parmesan makes all the difference.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything wonderfully moist and adds savory depth.
How to Make Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
First things first, grab your slow cooker and set it to low. This slow heat is essential for melding all the creamy, cheesy flavors perfectly without curdling the sauce. Add the butter and cream cheese right into the slow cooker and let them soften and melt as you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the melted butter and cream cheese. Sprinkle with salt, freshly ground pepper, and minced garlic. The garlic will infuse the chicken with that lovely Italian-inspired aroma, while the seasoning ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Cheese
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These liquids create the dreamy base for your Alfredo sauce. Stir gently (if your slow cooker allows) to help the cheese start to melt slightly around the chicken.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook low for about 2 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the creamy sauce. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often as this lets the heat escape. This slow cooking allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Shred Chicken and Add Pasta
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Then, stir in the cooked penne pasta. The pasta will soak up the cheesiest Alfredo sauce, making this dish irresistibly satisfying.
How to Serve Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate this dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that brightens up the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some garlic roasted broccoli pairs wonderfully, balancing out the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Crispness and freshness alongside creamy pasta is a match made in heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe in individual rustic bowls, topped with crispy bacon or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for texture. You might also try spooning it over sautéed spinach for a lovely color contrast and a veggie boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen slightly overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep the pasta separate if possible, as it helps prevent it from becoming mushy. Store the sauce and shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or warm in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the Alfredo sauce, you can substitute with fettuccine, rigatoni, or even rotini depending on your preference. Just cook pasta normally before adding it to the slow cooker near the end.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great and add a bit more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. The cooking time remains the same, but always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature creaminess, but if you want a dairy-free version, try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it?
Yes, it’s best to cook the pasta al dente before mixing it in. Adding uncooked pasta to the slow cooker may result in uneven cooking and sogginess. Cook it separately, then combine just before serving.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and cold water about 15 minutes before the cooking time ends. This will help the sauce thicken up without losing that creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion without any of the stress. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to come home to a creamy, cheesy masterpiece each time. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be your go-to comfort food that everyone asks for over and over again. So, why wait? Get your slow cooker ready, gather those simple but magical ingredients, and enjoy this deliciously comforting meal with your favorite people!
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Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe offers a rich and creamy twist on the classic Italian favorite, made effortlessly in a slow cooker for tender chicken and flavorful sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines succulent chicken breasts, creamy Alfredo sauce with cream cheese and Parmesan, and perfectly cooked penne pasta served on the side.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold for richness)
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, not pre-shredded)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (cooked separately)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will ensure easy cleanup and prevent the sauce from burning at the edges.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, butter, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese on top. These ingredients will slowly meld to create a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce while the chicken cooks.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Resist the urge to stir too often; slow cooking allows flavors to develop and the cream cheese to melt perfectly into the sauce.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce.
- Cook Pasta Separately: While the chicken cooks, boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Either mix the cooked pasta into the slow cooker sauce and chicken for a creamy one-pot meal or serve the Alfredo chicken over the penne pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Cooking the pasta separately keeps it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- You can add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added veggies and nutrition.
