Slow Cooker Provolone Chicken Alfredo Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a high-quality Alfredo sauce with real parmesan and garlic. If you want a more pronounced garlic note, add an extra clove of minced garlic to the slow cooker.

You can also stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some moisture evaporate. To make it extra cheesy, sprinkle an additional layer of provolone on top and let it melt before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days — just reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms in butter until golden, then stir them into the slow cooker with the other ingredients. They add an earthy depth that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce before cooking. The heat balances the richness and adds a subtle warmth.
• Swap the Protein: Replace the chicken with 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) or ground turkey. Brown the meat first, then add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add an extra 2 cups of broccoli or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. The dish is just as satisfying and cooks in the same time.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce, so add a little milk or chicken broth when reheating to loosen it. Let the dish cool for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating to ensure food safety.

You can assemble the entire dish in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on LOW as directed.

This makes it easy to start dinner before work. If you're short on time, you can also cook the dish fully, then refrigerate and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving ideas

Serve this slow cooker chicken Alfredo penne straight from the Crockpot for a casual family dinner. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

You can also serve it with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also works well as a side for grilled chicken or steak. If you're feeding a crowd, set up a toppings bar with extra shredded provolone, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper. The leftovers make a great lunch the next day — just reheat and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Provolone Chicken Alfredo Penne

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Place the chicken cubes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the penne pasta, broccoli florets, and Alfredo sauce, and stir gently to combine. Spoon dollops of ricotta over the top, then sprinkle with shredded provolone cheese.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. The sauce should be bubbling gently around the edges. Stir once halfway through if possible, taking care not to break up the chicken.
3. Turn off the slow cooker. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm, spooning the creamy sauce over the pasta and chicken. Garnish with extra provolone or fresh herbs if desired, though the video serves it plain.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

28 g

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