If you’re craving a creamy pasta dinner that feels indulgent but is truly simple, this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with a Garlic Ranch Twist is your answer. It blends classic Alfredo richness with tangy ranch notes and savory garlic, all cooked effortlessly in one pot. The flavors develop while you get on with life—when dinnertime arrives, you’ll have a luscious, comforting dish ready to serve. It’s like taking your favorite Alfredo and giving it a ranchy upgrade, built on techniques from slow cooker recipes like Creamy Ranch Chicken Crockpot.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 1.5 lb (≈ 680 g) |
| Uncooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or shell) | 8 oz (≈ 225 g) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup (≈ 240 ml) |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup (≈ 240 ml) |
| Cream cheese, softened | 4 oz (≈ 113 g) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ to 1 cup |
| Ranch seasoning mix (dry) | 1 packet (≈ 1 oz) or 2 Tbsp homemade |
| Minced garlic cloves | 3 cloves |
| Butter, cubed | 2 Tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley or cracked pepper (garnish) | a few Tbsp |
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker insert.
- Place chicken in the bottom and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and half the ranch seasoning.
- Scatter minced garlic over the chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, cubed butter, and remaining ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Pour the mixture gently over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once chicken is done, remove it and shred or slice, then return it to the pot.
- Add uncooked pasta and stir gently to combine with sauce.
- Cover again and cook on High for 30–45 minutes or until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens, stirring halfway.
- Stir in grated Parmesan, adjust seasoning, then garnish with parsley or cracked pepper before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in shallow bowls with extra sauce
- Pair with a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad
- Add garlic bread or focaccia on the side
- Top with steamed green vegetables for balance
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy Creamy Ranch Chicken Crockpot or try layering flavors as seen in Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs (Dump & Go).
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, about 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 600–650 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 35–40 g |
| Carbohydrates | ≈ 45–50 g |
| Total Fat | ≈ 28–32 g |
| Sodium | Moderate to high (due to ranch and broth) |
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and juiciness.
- For lightened version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Mix in broccoli or spinach after pasta is cooked to add veggies.
- If sauce is too thin, remove lid for the last 10–15 minutes to help reduce.
- Use gluten-free pasta or broth if you need a GF option.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with a Garlic Ranch Twist
- Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with a Garlic Ranch Twist is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy. With tender chicken, garlic-rich Alfredo sauce, pasta, and ranch seasoning, it’s a one-pot meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 1.5 lb
Uncooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or shell) – 8 oz
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 1 cup
Cream cheese, softened – 4 oz
Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ to 1 cup
Ranch seasoning mix (dry) – 1 packet (1 oz) or 2 Tbsp
Minced garlic – 3 cloves
Butter, cubed – 2 Tbsp
Salt & black pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley or cracked pepper – for garnish
Instructions
1. Grease the slow cooker insert lightly.
2. Place chicken in the base and season with salt, pepper, and half the ranch mix.
3. Add minced garlic over the chicken.
4. Whisk heavy cream, broth, cream cheese, butter, and remaining ranch seasoning until smooth.
5. Pour mixture over the chicken.
6. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
7. Remove chicken, shred or slice, and return to pot.
8. Add uncooked pasta and stir gently.
9. Cook for 30–45 minutes on High, stirring once.
10. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning.
11. Garnish with parsley or cracked pepper and serve.
Notes
Use thighs for more flavor.
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Add broccoli or spinach after pasta for veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken alfredo, garlic ranch alfredo, chicken alfredo ranch pasta, slow cooker creamy chicken pasta
Frequently Asked Questions
Won’t the pasta get mushy if cooked in a crockpot?
It can, which is why you add the pasta only after the chicken is cooked, and cook for the final 30–45 minutes. Stirring halfway helps even cooking.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes. If using cooked chicken, add it during the later stage with the pasta so it warms but doesn’t overcook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning and broth are gluten-free.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Pressure cook the chicken and sauce first, then add pasta and cook on high pressure for 4–6 minutes, followed by a quick release. Finish by stirring in Parmesan.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream or broth to loosen sauce.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with a Garlic Ranch Twist delivers creamy indulgence with bold flavor and minimal effort. One pot, few dishes, and maximum comfort—perfect for dinners that deserve to feel special without the fuss.