Description
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe delivers tender shredded chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta immersed in a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners, it combines the convenience of slow cooking with the indulgence of classic Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese
Others
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breast, cream cheese, cubed butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream into the slow cooker. This combination will form the base for the Alfredo sauce as the chicken cooks.
- Cook Chicken: Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken breast is fully cooked through and tender. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender enough for shredding.
- Shred Chicken and Add Pasta: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and add the uncooked penne pasta and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Cook Pasta and Finish Sauce: Cook on high for about 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The sauce will thicken during this time, coating the pasta and chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Alfredo topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped greens of your choice for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
- The slow cooker method yields juicy, tender shredded chicken and a creamy Alfredo sauce made from scratch.
- Adding the pasta later helps prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- If desired, substitute penne with other short pasta types like rigatoni or rotini.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 754 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 929 mg
- Fat: 56 g
- Saturated Fat: 34 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 211 mg
