Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dinner but don’t want to stand over the stove, this Slow Cooker Creamy Alfredo Pasta is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no effort, you’ll get rich, velvety Alfredo pasta straight from your slow cooker.
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Unlike traditional Alfredo sauce that requires whisking butter, cream, and cheese on the stove, this slow cooker version lets everything simmer together, creating a luscious sauce that coats every strand of fettuccine. Add some diced chicken for protein, and you’ve got a hearty, family-friendly meal ready with minimal effort.
This recipe is especially perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends when you want something indulgent without all the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this creamy pasta dish:
- 1 lb Fettuccine Pasta – Break in half to fit into the slow cooker.
- 2 cups Heavy Cream – The star of Alfredo sauce, making it rich and silky.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth – Adds depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese – For bold, cheesy flavor.
- 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced – Fresh garlic makes all the difference.
- 1 tsp Salt – Balances the richness.
- ½ tsp Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg – A secret touch that enhances creamy sauces.
- 2 Tbsp Butter – For extra richness.
- 1 cup Cooked Chicken, Diced (Optional) – Makes it a complete meal.
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for garnish) – Adds freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Add Butter & Chicken
Drop in the butter and, if using, stir in the diced cooked chicken.
Step 3: Add Pasta
Break the fettuccine in half and place it into the slow cooker. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Once cooked, give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Alfredo Pasta
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Stir Occasionally: This prevents the pasta from clumping together.
- Don’t Overcook: Pasta can become mushy in the slow cooker if left too long.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms pair wonderfully with creamy Alfredo.
What to Serve With Alfredo Pasta
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic bread – perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- A fresh garden salad – balances the richness.
- Roasted vegetables – like zucchini or asparagus for extra nutrition.
Slow Cooker Alfredo Pasta
Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! Penne, linguine, or rigatoni all work well—just adjust cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
You can, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6–7 quarts).
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 17g