Creamy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a high-quality Alfredo sauce that you enjoy eating on its own. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half Alfredo sauce and half chicken broth, but note that the dish will be less creamy.

To make the dish more substantial, add cooked bacon or grilled chicken on top before serving.

If you like a crispy cheese top, you can transfer the cooked dish to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra mozzarella, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.

However, this is an optional step not shown in the video. Always ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. They will absorb the creamy sauce and add an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy twist. This works well if you enjoy a little heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if making a homemade sauce.
• Shrimp Alfredo: Replace the chicken with raw shrimp. Add the shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking. Ensure the shrimp are pink and opaque before serving.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce as it sits, so you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time since the ingredients start cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy chicken Alfredo penne hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread.

For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables. The dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but the extra sides make it feel like a special dinner.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Penne

Prep 10 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 jar (15 oz) creamy garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer. Add the penne pasta and broccoli florets over the chicken, spreading them evenly. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top, making sure to cover the pasta and broccoli as much as possible.
2. Place the cream cheese chunks in the center of the mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, covering the entire surface.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat in.
4. Once cooked, stir the mixture gently to combine the melted cream cheese and mozzarella into the sauce. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, coating the chicken, pasta, and broccoli evenly.
5. Spoon the creamy chicken Alfredo penne onto plates or into bowls. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

40 g

Carbohydrates

50 g

Fat

28 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.