This easy Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo is made with the jarred Alfredo sauce, so it ends up not only being a super simple recipe, but also can be an amazingly delicious personalized meal to make. Minimalistic in nature, this dish is ideal for those busy nights that you may not feel like cooking, but also don’t particularly want to go the fast food route to feed your family.
About This Recipe
Time has been scarce around here lately, so I’ve got another super simple slow cooker recipe for you all.
Just like in my Slow Cooker Spaghetti(my most popular recipe of all time) or Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta, this recipe also takes about five minutes of prep and uses only one “pot” so you’ll have less dishes to wash after feeding your family a hearty home-cooked meal.
I call that a win/win situation and it makes it, to me, one of the best crockpot meals. I don’t know about you, but a sink piled high with dishes is my least favorite things these days, especially as a struggling single mom of four.
So any meal that I can make that cuts down on the chore of dishes, is a meal that I plan on making as often as I can!
It also doesn’t hurt that any dish that features Pasta and Chicken are favorites with my family.
I have tried hard to create this recipe in such a way that you can use it as a base recipe and then switch things up to suite your desired tastes.
So, put your slow cooker to use, make a yummy easy dinner, and save yourself some precious time in the process with this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce recipe.
- To see all of my main dish recipes, go here.
Ingredient List
For those of you that quickly need to check if this recipe will fit your needs or dietary restrictions, or see if it will even remotely sound appetizing to you, here is a list of all the ingredients I make this yummy meal with:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Boneless Chicken Breasts
- Premade Canned/Bottled/Jarred Alfredo Sauce
- Warm Water
- Penne Pasta (I use whole wheat penne, but most any pasta will do)
You can easily add Italian Seasoning, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Cajun Seasoning, Cream Cheese, or any other “extra’s” that you want to make this dish even tastier.
You could even garnish it with Parsley.
I am simply providing you with a base recipe to get you started with making your life a little bit easier.
Suggested Tools
Make sure you have all the tools you need for success with this recipe...especially if you're making it to take to the gathering!
Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 quart Nonstick Crock, Sear, Saute, Steam, Rice Functions, Stainless Steel (33065)
This awesome slow cooker has a saute function, which allows the ability to make amazingly delicious seared meats in your slow cooked meals without dirtying up another pan.
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting
This slow cooker is ideal if you need to be out of the house while your meal is cooking.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
This budget-friendly slow cooker is my favorite choice to cook with when I'm going to be home while it's cooking.
HOMEST Slow Cooker Bag for Crock-Pot 6-8 Quart, Insulated Travel Carrier with Easy to Clean Lining, Carry Case with Top Zip Compartment and Accessory Pocket (Bag Only)
When those meals need to stay warm on the go, this is my insulated bag of choice!
SMARTAKE Slow Cooker Liners, 30 pack
For days that you don't feel like cleaning up the mess, make sure you have these handy.
Poultry Shears, Heavy Duty Kitchen Shears With Anti-Slip Handle & Safety Lock, Poultry Scissors for Meat, Chicken, Bone,Turkey, Fish, Spring Loaded, Dishwasher Safe (Black)
Cut through that chicken with no cutting board needed!
Please Note
I am an affiliate with Amazon.com. When you purchase through my suggested product links, the cost for you is the same but I do receive a small commission for everything in your shopping cart. Thanks so much for the support!
How To Save Money Making It
Here are some handy tips and tricks to help people save money when making slow cooker chicken Alfredo:
- Use frozen or sale-priced chicken: Look for sales on chicken breasts or thighs and stock up when prices are low. Frozen chicken is often cheaper than fresh and works perfectly in crockpot recipes, just remember to add another hour or so to your cook time to give it time to thaw.
- Buy in bulk: Purchase pasta, spices, and Parmesan cheese in bulk whenever you see a good deal. Learning to do this will save you lots of money over time. Plus, remember that dry pasta and spices have a long shelf life so it won’t hurt anything if you have to store it for a few months. You can read my full article on buying in bulk here.
- Use leftover chicken: If you ever have leftover chicken from a previous meal, shred it and use it in the this Alfredo. This not only reduces waste but also saves time and money. You may just need to add a little bit more water if you go this route.
- Homemade garlic bread: Instead of buying store-bought garlic bread to go with your meal, make your own using day-old bread from the store. It’s cheaper, and helps reduce food waste.
- Stretch the meal: Serve the Alfredo with a home-grown vegetable side or a simple salad to make the meal go further. You can also reduce the amount of chicken or add more pasta or vegetables to feed more people without spending extra.
What To Serve With It
If you’re scratching your head wondering what pairs well with Chicken Alfredo, here are some great ideas for what to serve with it to complete the meal:
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette balances out the richness of the Alfredo. Adding tomatoes or avocados can enhance the flavor.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp Romaine lettuce and tangy Caesar dressing are a perfect complement to the creamy Alfredo. You can top it with croutons and Parmesan for extra crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted vegetables like broccoli, squash, or brussel sprouts. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, which pairs well with the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: A lighter option, steamed vegetables like green beans, peas, or zucchini add color and freshness to the meal.
- Sautéed Spinach: A simple sauté of spinach with garlic and olive oil is a healthy side that also complements the creaminess of the main dish.
- Caprese Salad: This Italian salad made of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil or balsamic glaze adds a burst of flavor and texture.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread helps soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce. You can make your own by toasting bread with butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon offers a smoky and tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with chicken Alfredo.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be served on the side or even mixed into the Alfredo for a hearty and earthy flavor boost.
- Breadsticks: Warm, soft breadsticks make a simple yet satisfying side. Their mild flavor complements the rich Alfredo sauce without overpowering it.
- Bruschetta: A fresh topping of diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Fruit Salad: A chilled fruit salad with a mix of berries, apples, or citrus provides a refreshing, sweet contrast to the savory Alfredo dish.
Pro Tips
Here are some pro tips to elevate your end results:
- Sear the chicken first: For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker (or use the saute mode first if you have that type of slow cooker). This step adds a golden brown crust and locks in moisture.
- Layer flavors with seasoning: Season the chicken well before adding it to the crockpot. Use salt, pepper, and then cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to really give it a flavorful punch. It will infuse the chicken with extra flavor as it cooks.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Be mindful of your pasta the last twenty to thirty minutes that it is supposed to be cooking. I typically set myself a timer, and stay close to the kitchen during this time so that I don’t end up with a mushy pasta mess.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition: For even more of a “one-pot” meal, throw in vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas during the last couple hours of cooking. This boosts nutrition and adds color to the dish.
Those are all of the pro-tips that I can think of now, but if you have made this and have more good options, please email me and I will add them to this list.
Storing And Reheating
Once your chicken Alfredo has cooled, promptly transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
When stored properly, this dish should remain fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, simply take out the portion you need and warm it in the microwave until fully heated (add water and stir as needed).
Alternatively, you can refrigerate the entire crock with the lid on, then reheat the whole dish by setting the crockpot to high.
Reheating this way takes about an hour (you might need to add a little water and stir as it heats this way too).
FAQ’s
Yes, you sure can turn this into Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in the Crock Pot. However, long noodles are a little bit harder to cook in a slow cooker. To solve this issue I suggest breaking the noodles in half first (just like how I do in my CrockPot Spaghetti recipe), and then follow the rest of the directions in the recipe.
In this particular recipe I do not recommend going without the chicken. When chicken cooks in a slow cooker it actually gives off juices that both flavor the dish, as well as it also provides some of the moisture for the pasta.
However, if you must omit the chicken, you may be able to get by with adding some chicken stock towards the end if the noodles don’t seem to be wet enough.
I will be the first to admit that some pre-made Alfredo Sauces out there are more than a little bit bland.
Luckily it is pretty simple to “Dr” them up and make it a bit more palatable. I suggest trying to add any of the “extra’s” that I mentioned higher up in the post (under the ingredients list).
Otherwise, I found a super helpful resource that has a more “in-depth” list of ideas over at southernhomeexpress.com, and I suggest you check there if you need more options to make that sauce taste better.
How To Make It (recipe card found here):
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 (16.9 oz or 480 g) Jar Of Pre-Made Alfredo Sauce
- 16.9 oz (480 g) Warm Water (fill the jar)
- 1 lb (453 g) Penne Pasta (or pasta of choice)
Instructions
-
Use the Extra Virgin Olive Oil to grease the inside of the crock pot insert (be sure to grease up the sides several inches). -
Add the Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. -
Then add the pre-made Alfredo Sauce. 
Fill the Alfredo Sauce Jar full of hot water (it needs to be quite hot so you don't break your crock when you pour it in), put the lid back on tightly, give it a good shake and pour on top of the Alfredo Sauce.-
Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW 6-7 hours, or HIGH 3-4 hours (I cook it a little longer when using frozen chicken, see notes.) -
When the time is up/chicken is done, remove the chicken and dice into desired size "chunks" on a cutting board. -
Add the of pasta of choice, (I use Whole Wheat Penne). Push the pasta down so it is below the “water line”. -
Salt and pepper the chicken to taste (or add any other desired seasoning), mix well, then add to the slow cooker. -
Put the lid on, and continue to cook for one hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes & replacing the lid in between. (Occasionally an additional half cup (118 ml) of hot water is needed to keep the sauce the right consistency). -
Once pasta is fully cooked, it's ready to serve. Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Notes
- If your sauce seems to be "too runny", leave the lid off (or just crack it so some of the steam can escape) for a while and stir every few minutes, this will evaporate any extra liquid.
- If the pasta hasn’t set up when the anticipated time has elapsed, you may need to add more hot water (1/2 cup or 118 ml at a time), stir, put your lid back on and check it again in 15 minutes… this is the basics to cooking pasta in a Slow Cooker.
- This recipe is best suited for (fits in) a six or seven quart slow cooker so you have plenty of room for stirring.
- If you are low on boneless chicken breasts, you can use as little as four boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. Just note that the nutritional data will change if doing so (it is calculated using 6 breasts).
- You may use either fresh or frozen boneless chicken breasts when making this recipe, however, you will need to add more cook time prior to adding the pasta when using frozen (here is a good resource on how long to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker).
- You can easily make this recipe a little yummier and dress it up by adding Italian Seasoning, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Cajun Seasoning, Cream Cheese, or any other “extra’s” that you want to make this dish truly your own. I recommend garnishing with fresh parsley.
- You may use a larger bottle of Alfredo Sauce if in a pinch, though you may need to use a little bit less water for the pasta.
- As of 10/24/2024 I have added metric amounts for the ingredients in this recipe, if you find a discrepancy in how they're listed please email me so I can fix it. Thanks!
Recommended Products
Please note that I am an affiliate with Amazon.com. When you purchase through my suggested product links, the cost for you is the same but I do receive a small commission for everything in your shopping cart. Thanks so much for the support!
-
Amazon Fresh, Mediterranean Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 68 Fl Oz (2L) -
Yo Mama’s Foods Gourmet Keto Classic Alfredo Pasta Sauce | (3) 16 Ounce Glass Bottles | Low Carb, Paleo, Gluten Free, Low Calorie and is Made with only the Freshest Ingredients! -
De Cecco Semolina Pasta, Penne Rigate No.41, 1 Pound -
Louisiana Cajun Seasoning – 23 oz -
McCormick Italian Seasoning, 6.25 oz -
Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Grated Parmesan Cheese Shaker, 16 ounce (Pack of 1)
Conclusion
In conclusion, my Easy Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo offers a super yummy solution for busy folks that are craving a comforting home-made meal without the hassle.
With its simple preparation and set-and-forget nature, this recipe showcases the perfect harmony between convenience and flavor.
I can’t be the only parent out there that needs meal ideas for those nights that I need a break from cooking, but also doesn’t want to go the fast food route which will save you some serious money if you’re meal planning.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and supporting my endeavors to make people’s lives a little easier/better/more affordable.
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Or you could even send them the direct link via email. Whichever way you choose to spread the love, I super appreciate it! ~Sarah
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Check Out My Other Related Posts
- To see all of my main dish recipes, go here.
Otherwise, here are direct links to several of my other related posts that you’re also going to love:
Other slow cooker related articles
Other Good Resources For A Lazy Chicken Alfredo
Maybe you don’t like my version of this recipe…if that is the case, here are some other good reputable resources that you could try instead:
- https://bellyfull.net/chicken-alfredo-recipe/
- https://www.eatingonadime.com/crock-pot-chicken-alfredo/
- https://thehungrywaitress.com/easy-chicken-alfredo/
*Please note that this recipe was originally shared to this blog on December 26th, 2015, and has since been updated to improve user experience, add video instruction & a free printable recipe card, as well as to make it as shareable as possible across the social medias. It will be continually updated to remain relevant and user friendly.
**Please note that I do try my hardest to provide factual, but easy to understand, information about each topic. If you notice a discrepancy in my methods, facts, or see something that you deem “misinformation/incorrect” please make sure to notify me about it. I would prefer that you send me an email with a link to a more reputable resource on that subject, so that I can correct it as soon as possible. Thanks so much for helping this site become the best that it can be!