Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
on Jan 05, 2024, Updated May 22, 2025
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Looking for a cozy, kid-approved dinner that practically cooks itself? This creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting, and toddler-friendly meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a healthy dish that the whole family will love—perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fuss-free meal.
Why Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is Great for Toddlers and Families
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: The combination of chicken, pasta, and dairy in this recipe provides a well-rounded meal with essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and carbohydrates, crucial for your toddler’s growth and development.
- Creamy Texture: Toddlers often prefer foods with a smoother texture. The creamy Alfredo sauce in this recipe appeals to their taste buds while ensuring they get the nutrients they need.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The beauty of slow cooker recipes lies in their simplicity. Toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. This leaves you with more time to focus on your toddler’s needs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 lb rigatoni (or any pasta shape your toddler loves)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Alfredo
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Create the Sauce: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, and garlic powder to the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to high and let it cook for 3-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it within the slow cooker using two forks.
- Pasta and Cheese: Once chicken is shredded, add in the pasta (uncooked), and the cheese. Let cook for about 35-45 mins or until pasta is cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish up this delightful meal for your toddler and the entire family. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond or oat milk. Note that the sauce may be less rich.
Butter: Replace with a plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar cheesy flavor without dairy.
Pasta: Any pasta shape works—try penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta to suit your family’s needs.
Storing Leftover Chicken Alfredo
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits—just stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken Alfredo (without pasta, for best texture) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add freshly cooked pasta before serving for best results.
Common Questions
Can I make this crockpot chicken alfredo gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure that your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is this slow cooker alfredo dairy-free?
- Yes, with substitutions. Use dairy-free alternatives for the heavy cream, butter, and cheese as noted above.
Can I add anything to the pasta?
- Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
More Toddler Dinner Ideas
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta – A crockpot favorite inspired by the restaurant classic! This Olive Garden Chicken Pasta combines juicy chicken, creamy dressing, and Parmesan for a rich, flavorful dish with minimal ingredients. A cozy, crowd-pleasing meal toddlers and adults will both enjoy.
Feta Orzo Bake – This Feta Orzo Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with family-friendly flavor. Baked in one dish with orzo, tomatoes, and melty feta, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels comforting but light—perfect for toddlers and grown-ups.
Creamy Avocado Pasta – Bright, creamy, and ready in minutes, this Creamy Avocado Pasta is a healthy twist on a comfort food favorite. Blended avocado makes a naturally tasty sauce that coats every bite—ideal for toddlers learning to love green foods!
Pea and Cream Cheese Pinwheels – These Pea and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a fun and easy toddler snack or lunch idea. Rolled in soft pastry and filled with a creamy, veggie-packed filling, they’re soft, flavorful, and perfect for little hands.
Sheet Pan Fajitas – Dinner made easy with these Sheet Pan Fajitas! Colorful bell peppers and tender chicken cook together on one pan for a hands-off, family-style meal. Wrap in tortillas, serve with rice, or let toddlers pick and choose their own toppings for a fun dinner win.
I hope you love this healthy slow cooker chicken alfredo as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add chicken into a slow cooker.
- Add chicken broth, butter, heavy cream, and garlic powder. Turn slow cooker to high and cook 3-4 hours or until chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
- Shred the chicken with 2 forks.
- Add in parmesan cheese and uncooked pasta. Continue to cook for 35-45 mins or until the pasta is cooked and soft.
- Mix it all together and enjoy! Garnish with parsley and parmesan if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Could you use non-dairy milk, like oat or almond, instead of heavy cream?
When shredding the chicken, do you leave it out of the crock pot while cooking the pasta or leave it in there?
You leave it in!
Love creamy pastas
Wanted to confirm that is high in the slow cooker. At one point you say cook low set to high for 3-4 hours and then in the recipe section you write high so I am a bit confused. Thank you
Sorry it is high! If you do low, you just need to cook longer.
Does it really take 30-45 minutes for the pasta to cook on high?
Yes!
Made this a few times and it’s sooo good! Becoming a staple in our house. I use bone broth (instead of regular broth) to add more protein. I also use a little less heavy cream and a little more broth. Thanks for the great recipe!
If I want to double the amount of pasta, but not the chicken, would it work to just double all the ingredients except the chicken?
Yes that should work!
Can I make this without the chicken? Place all ingredients in at once and cook for how long?
My kids loved this. I doubled all the ingredients except the chicken so we would have a larger batch for my husband and I. First meal both my kids have asked for seconds for in a very long time!!!
My son ate every single noodle in his bowl. Loved it!