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Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, creamy, and downright delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug, I absolutely recommend trying my Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and tender pasta without you having to babysit the stove. Trust me, once you get this recipe on rotation, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss your ingredients in the crock pot and let it do all the work while you do other things.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for the creamy cheese and tender chicken combination.
  • Easy Ingredients: Uses simple, mostly pantry staples plus a couple of trusty jars of Alfredo sauce.
  • Great For Meal Prep: It reheats amazingly well, making lunches and dinners a breeze during busy weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe comes from combining creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and pasta that cooks right in the crock pot. When shopping, look for quality Alfredo sauce — I really like Bertolli for its rich flavor — and fresh, good-quality mozzarella cheese to get that perfect melt.

Flat lay of a few boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded, a small mound of uncooked penne pasta, a small white bowl filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, a small white bowl of water, a small white bowl with minced garlic, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of cracked black pepper, a generous pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, a smaller pile of grated parmesan cheese, and a few fresh sprigs of chopped parsley, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, easy slow cooker chicken dinner, cheesy chicken casserole, one-pot crockpot chicken recipe
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using cooked and shredded chicken helps it mix effortlessly with the creamy sauce.
  • Alfredo sauce: Two jars add rich, garlicky flavor—consider your favorite brand for best results.
  • Water: Added to loosen the sauce slightly so the pasta can bake without drying out.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh garlic amps up that comforting Italian flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that make all the flavors sing.
  • Penne pasta (uncooked): Cooks perfectly in the crock pot—plus, its shape holds the sauce beautifully.
  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melted cheese is a must, and this adds gooey, melty goodness on every bite.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that balances the creaminess.
  • Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and light herbaceous note when serving.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible the Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe can be—it’s great to customize based on what you have or your family’s preferences. Don’t hesitate to mix things up and make it your own!

  • Vegetable Boost: Add chopped spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and a fresh twist—I usually toss in a cup of spinach before serving to wilt it lightly.
  • Cheese Variations: Swap part of the mozzarella for provolone or fontina if you want a different cheese flavor profile; it all melts beautifully.
  • Spice It Up: For a little kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace penne with cooked cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly casserole.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix Sauce and Pasta

In a large bowl, stir together the Alfredo sauce, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This blend creates the creamy base that’ll soak into the pasta as it cooks. Add in the uncooked penne pasta, mixing well to coat every piece with sauce. I like to make sure the pasta is evenly coated here so you don’t get dry patches later on.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole in the Crock Pot

Spray a 6-quart crock pot generously with non-stick spray—this step is key to make sure the casserole doesn’t stick to the sides. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly on the bottom, then layer half the shredded cooked chicken over that. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/8 cup parmesan cheese. Repeat those layers with the remaining pasta mixture, chicken, and another cup of mozzarella plus parmesan. Layering helps all those flavors blend and build comfortingly thick layers as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook with Care

Cover and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours. Timing is important here—cooking too long can make the pasta mushy, so check it close to that 2 ½ hour mark. You want the pasta tender but still holding its shape. By this point, the sauce will be thick, chicken infused with Alfredo flavor, and cheese melted into a gooey layer.

Step 4: Cheese It Up & Serve

Remove the lid, sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and let it melt right in the hot casserole (about 5 minutes with the lid off). If you want a slightly browned top, you can pop the crock pot insert under a broiler for 2-3 minutes—just watch closely! Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve warm.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

  • Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Shredding cooked chicken before layering saves time and ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
  • Check Pasta Doneness Early: Pasta can go from perfect to overdone fast in a slow cooker—start checking at 2 hours if your crock pot tends to run hot.
  • Layer Your Cheese Strategically: Adding cheese in layers helps build a gooey texture inside and a bubbly crust on top.
  • Prevent Wateriness: Adding a bit of water with the sauce and not stirring too much while cooking keeps the casserole creamy and not soupy.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of penne pasta covered in a creamy, pale off-white sauce. The pasta is mixed with small pieces of white meat and sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with small green herb leaves scattered around. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with chopped green herbs and a block of pale yellow cheese on a metal grater. A gold-colored fork rests on a blue and white striped cloth to the right of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, easy slow cooker chicken dinner, cheesy chicken casserole, one-pot crockpot chicken recipe

Garnishes

I usually add freshly chopped parsley on top because it adds a nice pop of color and a mild herbaceous flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra cheesy boost. If you like a little zing, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can work wonders, too.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is rich and filling, I like to pair it with something light and fresh, like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies—garlicky asparagus or crisp broccoli is my go-to. Garlic bread or crusty French bread makes an excellent side too if you want to keep things indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve layered this casserole in a pretty ceramic crock pot insert to bring it straight to the table. Garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or fresh basil leaves adds elegance. Sometimes I serve it in individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party feel — everyone loves having their own personal cheesy Alfredo goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually stay great for 3 to 4 days. The casserole tends to thicken as it cools, so adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe freezes well—just let it cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When I freeze leftovers, I usually leave out the fresh parsley, so it stays bright when added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven, adding a little extra cream or milk to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Cover it loosely to trap moisture and avoid overcooking. I find reheating in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes works best to keep the texture tender and delicious.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

    Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but I recommend thawing and cooking them first before shredding for best texture and flavor. Adding raw frozen chicken to the crock pot with uncooked pasta might lead to uneven cooking.

  2. What if I don’t have a 6-quart crock pot?

    Any slow cooker between 4 to 7 quarts will work, but I suggest adjusting the pasta amount slightly if your pot is smaller to prevent overcrowding or overflow.

  3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

    Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the cooking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, cook it in the crock pot as directed, but add extra cooking time if starting from cold.

  4. Is there a gluten-free option?

    Yes, simply swap regular penne for gluten-free pasta suitable for stovetop or crock pot cooking. Make sure to check your Alfredo sauce also is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I love this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe because it’s a no-fuss way to get creamy, cheesy, comforting pasta and chicken all in one dish with minimal effort. It’s become my go-to when I want something satisfying and family-approved with hardly any stress. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as my family does — it’s truly a weeknight game-changer worth sharing with your loved ones.

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Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Total Time: 185 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Made with tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, penne pasta, and gooey melted cheeses, this casserole cooks slowly in the crock pot to develop rich flavors. It’s a hassle-free recipe that requires minimal prep and delivers a hearty, satisfying meal loved by the whole family.


Ingredients

Chicken & Sauce

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
  • 2 (15 oz) jars Alfredo sauce (Bertolli brand recommended)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Pasta & Cheese

  • 16 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, water, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  2. Coat the pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta into the Alfredo sauce mixture and stir until all pasta pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
  3. Prepare the crock pot: Lightly spray a 6-quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
  4. Layer the casserole – first layer: Place half of the penne pasta and Alfredo mixture evenly on the bottom of the crock pot, then layer half of the cooked shredded chicken on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese and 1/8 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  5. Layer the casserole – second layer: Add the remaining penne pasta mixture over the chicken layer, followed by the remaining shredded chicken. Top this with another 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  6. Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Check that the pasta is tender and the casserole is heated through.
  7. Add final cheese layer and serve: Remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese on top. Let it melt inside the crock pot (about 5-10 minutes). Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • This easy crock pot chicken Alfredo casserole is packed with creamy flavor and makes a perfect comforting meal.
  • For best results, shred the chicken after cooking to maintain tenderness.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crock pot model, so check pasta doneness after 2 1/2 hours.
  • You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 786 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1831 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 176 mg

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