Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo (4 Ingredients, So Easy!) - Easy Peasy Recipes
This crock pot chicken alfredo uses just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep! Tender shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and creamy alfredo sauce — the easiest weeknight dinner ever.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts: The base protein that cooks tender in the slow cooker. Turkey breast would work as an alternative.
- 15 oz. jar of creamy Alfredo sauce e.g., Bertolli’s Creamy Basil Alfredo Sauce: Provides the creamy texture and flavor to the dish. A homemade white sauce could replace this.
- 19 oz. package of frozen cheese tortellini: Quick cooking pasta that holds its texture. Swap with any filled pasta you prefer.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce adding richness. Substituting with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses is also an option.
Instructions
- Step 1: Layer the Chicken
- Place the boneless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crock pot. This ensures even cooking, so each piece becomes tender and shreds effortlessly. Use a Crock Pot Casserole Slow Cooker for optimal space use if you have one.
- Step 2: Add Alfredo Sauce
- Pour half the jar of Alfredo sauce over the chicken. This initial addition allows the chicken to absorb the sauce’s flavors during the slow cooking process, making every bite flavorful.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cover and set your crock pot to low for 4-5 hours or high for 3-4 hours, based on your schedule. The slow cooking tenderizes the chicken, but be sure to occasionally check for doneness, especially if the pieces are thick.
- Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it. Shredding allows the chicken to mix thoroughly with the tortellini later, ensuring every bite is consistent and flavorful.
- Step 5: Prepare the Tortellini
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the tortellini as per package instructions. Opt for microwave cooking if you’re short on time, achieving perfect texture typically in about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Combine and Heat
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked tortellini, remaining Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese back to the crock pot. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Allow the mixture to heat through, melding flavors, and ensuring the cheese melts fully into the sauce.
Notes
Use jarred alfredo sauce confidently: Bertolli's Creamy Basil Alfredo is a great choice, but any 15 oz jar of creamy alfredo works. Rao's is a fan favorite for a slightly more elevated flavor.
Don't skip the shredding step: Shredding the chicken before adding the tortellini is what makes this dish so satisfying — every bite gets coated in sauce and packed with chicken.
Make it cheesier: Add ¼ cup of grated parmesan in addition to the mozzarella for extra depth of flavor.
Add a veggie: Baby spinach, frozen peas, or broccoli florets all stir in beautifully at the end. No extra cooking needed.
Serving suggestion: A side of garlic bread is practically mandatory here — perfect for scooping up any extra alfredo sauce.