Creamy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Penne

This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Penne is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Tender chicken, al dente penne, and fresh broccoli are enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with melted mozzarella and cream cheese.

Just dump everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a bubbling, comforting meal that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying dinner without the fuss.

This recipe brings together the classic flavors of chicken Alfredo with the convenience of a slow cooker. The combination of penne, broccoli, and chicken in a velvety garlic-parmesan sauce is pure comfort food.

With only a few minutes of prep, you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal that the whole family will love. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

Cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker with the sauce allows it to absorb the creamy flavors as it cooks, resulting in a deeply infused and satisfying dish.

The low, slow heat gently cooks the chicken, keeping it moist and tender without drying out. The Alfredo sauce, combined with the cream cheese and mozzarella, creates a rich, velvety texture that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.

The 'dump and go' method is not only convenient but also ensures that the ingredients meld together beautifully. The chicken releases its juices into the sauce, adding depth of flavor, while the broccoli steams to a perfect tender-crisp.

This method produces a cohesive, one-pot meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.

Notes and substitutions

Use a good-quality jarred Alfredo sauce for the best flavor, or make your own if you prefer. The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature so it melts smoothly into the sauce. Whole-milk mozzarella gives the best melt and flavor, but part-skim will also work. Fresh broccoli florets are preferred, but frozen can be used in a pinch.

This recipe is easily customizable. Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables. Swap the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage if desired. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so feel free to adapt the ingredients to your liking.

• Chicken breasts: Chicken thighs can be used; they will be even more tender. Cut into bite-sized pieces and cook the same way.
• Penne pasta: Use any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Adjust cooking time if needed.
• Broccoli florets: Frozen broccoli florets work well; add them without thawing, but reduce the amount to 2 cups to avoid excess water.
• Alfredo sauce: Use a homemade Alfredo sauce or a jarred version without garlic if preferred.

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon
• Serving spoon