Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta

When you need an easy dinner with almost no hands-on cooking, this 3-ingredient slow cooker chicken Alfredo pasta is a perfect choice. Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and shell pasta come together to make a rich and comforting meal that is especially convenient on busy weeknights.

The shell-shaped pasta is ideal for this recipe because it holds onto the creamy sauce in every bite. Since the chicken is already cooked and the pasta is prepared separately, the slow cooker does most of the work while you take care of everything else.

This easy slow cooker pasta recipe makes 6 servings and is a simple option for family dinners, game nights, potlucks, or cozy meals at home.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces shell pasta
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta

1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. Add the Alfredo sauce and shredded chicken, then stir until well combined.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated and the sauce is hot.
3. While the chicken and sauce are warming, cook the shell pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Cook until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
4. Add the cooked shell pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir until the shells are completely coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
5. Cover and let the pasta sit for another 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
6. Stir once more, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve the creamy chicken Alfredo pasta hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 main ingredients: A short ingredient list makes this recipe convenient for busy days.
• Easy weeknight dinner: Most of the cooking is hands-off, giving you more time to handle other tasks.
• Creamy and comforting: Alfredo sauce creates a rich, silky coating for the shell pasta.
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors and familiar ingredients make this an easy meal for the whole family.
• Great for leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
• Easy to customize: Add vegetables or swap the protein to create a different version whenever you like.

Easy Variations

Add vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or baby spinach just before serving. These additions add color, texture, and extra nutrients.

Try a different protein: Shredded turkey, cooked chicken sausage, or another fully cooked protein can be used instead of chicken.

Make it extra creamy: If the pasta becomes thick while sitting, stir in a small splash of milk before serving.

Add more flavor: A little garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan can give the finished pasta an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pasta

• Cook the shell pasta separately rather than leaving dry pasta in the slow cooker for hours.
• Cook the shells only until al dente so they maintain a pleasant texture after being mixed with the sauce.
• Add the pasta toward the end because shell pasta absorbs sauce quickly.
• If serving later, keep a little milk available to loosen the sauce.
• Use fully cooked chicken to keep this recipe quick and simple.

What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Because this pasta is rich and creamy, it pairs especially well with lighter sides. Try steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, a crisp green salad, Caesar salad, or sliced tomatoes.

For a heartier dinner, serve it with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls.