If you’re craving something downright comforting and impossible to resist, this Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe will have you grinning from ear to ear. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, hearty penne pasta, and bubbling cheese—all melded together in your slow cooker with minimal effort. It’s everything you love about chicken Alfredo, transformed into a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Trust me: one bite, and you’ll see why this easy classic is a forever favorite!

Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is how a few kitchen staples come together to create something magical. Each ingredient adds its own little burst of flavor, bringing out the creamy, cheesy, savory goodness that makes this casserole so addicting.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded, these form the melt-in-your-mouth protein base for the casserole.
Alfredo sauce (two 15-oz jars): Using a quality jarred sauce like Bertoli adds silky texture and rich flavor without the fuss.
Water (1 cup): Helps the pasta cook right in the crock pot without getting too thick or dry.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Adds a lovely aromatic punch and depth to the sauce. Fresh or jarred both work.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together; taste as you go if your sauce is already seasoned.
Pepper (1 teaspoon): A simple touch that gently balances all the richness of the dish.
Penne pasta (16 oz, uncooked): The pasta holds up beautifully in the slow cooker, absorbing all those creamy flavors.
Mozzarella cheese (3 cups, shredded): For stretch, melt, and indulgence with every forkful.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds that classic salty-nutty bite—don’t skip it if you love an authentic Alfredo taste.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness.

How to Make Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Make the Alfredo Mixture

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and pouring in both jars of Alfredo sauce, one cup of water, all the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until thoroughly combined. This is the creamy base that will coat every single noodle and bite of chicken, so mix until perfectly smooth!

Step 2: Add the Pasta

Stir the uncooked penne pasta right into the Alfredo mixture. You want each pasta tube to be evenly coated—this will help the penne cook up tender while soaking in all those wonderful flavors. No need to pre-cook the pasta, which keeps things super simple!

Step 3: Prepare the Crock Pot

Spritz your 6-quart crock pot with non-stick spray. This small step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures that glorious cheesy edge layer won’t stick. Trust me, you’ll want every morsel out of the pot when this is done!

Step 4: Start Layering

Spoon half of your pasta and Alfredo mixture into the bottom of the crock pot, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it seems a bit liquidy—it’ll thicken while cooking.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Spread half of your cooked, shredded chicken right over the pasta. The chicken becomes wonderfully juicy as it bakes into the sauce and pasta later.

Step 6: First Cheese Layer

Now, sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and about 1/8 cup of parmesan cheese over the chicken layer. This is where the gooey-cheesy magic starts. Feel free to give it a gentle pat so it melts in just right.

Step 7: Finish the Layers

Add the rest of your pasta mixture next, followed by the remaining chicken, another cup of mozzarella, and finish off with the remaining parmesan cheese. Layering keeps all the components moist and full of flavor as they cook low and slow.

Step 8: Set and Forget

Pop the lid on your crock pot and cook everything on low for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Check at the 2.5-hour mark: the pasta should be tender and the cheese deliciously melted. If you’re running short on time, keep it closer to 2.5 hours; if you want it a little more baked-in, let it go the full 3.

Step 9: Cheesy Finish

Once done, take off the lid and sprinkle the final cup of mozzarella cheese right over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes until it melts into a stretchy, irresistible topping. It’s worth the wait!

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, add a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like. The green pop adds freshness and looks beautiful against that luscious cheese—dig in!

How to Serve Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

The simplest way to dress up your Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is a shower of bright green chopped parsley or chives just before serving. If you’re feeling decadent, add an extra dusting of grated parmesan. Cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil never hurt either.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside crisp Caesar salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli for a pop of color and a hit of vegetable crunch. A warm, crusty garlic bread (perfect for sopping up extra sauce) is an absolute must in our house. You can also offer up a simple tomato salad to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special presentation, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins, top with a little extra cheese, and pop under the broiler for a golden, bubbly finish. Or serve straight from the crock pot at the table, family style, so everyone can help themselves—you’ll love the wow-factor of unveiling the melted cheese topping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just let the casserole cool, then transfer it to airtight containers. The flavors have a chance to mingle even more, making leftovers arguably just as good as day-one.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for future meals, scoop cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results; the sauce may thicken a bit, but it’s still creamy and delicious.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat portions in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk or water to keep things creamy. Cover your dish with foil if reheating in the oven at 350 degrees, and heat until warmed through. Stir gently halfway if microwaving so every bite gets steamy-hot.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe. Simply shred it and use it in place of the cooked chicken breasts for a shortcut with tons of flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can swap penne for other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or ziti. Just be sure to use a sturdy shape that can hold up to slow cooking.

Is it possible to make this Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply leave out the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked broccoli for a hearty vegetarian twist that still delivers all that creamy, cheesy comfort.

Will gluten-free pasta work in this casserole?

Gluten-free pasta can work, but keep an eye on the cook time as it may soften more quickly. You might need to reduce the cooking time slightly for best results.

Can I make this Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble everything a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and start the slow cooker when you’re ready. Just add an extra 15–30 minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be cold going in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, foolproof dinner that’s sure to win hearts, you can’t go wrong with this Crock pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe. Try making it once, and I’m betting it’ll earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation—so gather your ingredients, plug in your slow cooker, and enjoy some true comfort food magic!