Slow Cooker Creamy Alfredo Pasta – “Holiday Hug in a Bowl”
This Christmas, my family started calling this comforting pasta “Holiday Hug in a Bowl” — and for good reason!
It’s warm, creamy, rich, and absolutely irresistible. Every time we bring it to family gatherings, it disappears before anything else.
This simple one-pot slow cooker pasta cooks the fettuccine right in a luxurious sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, butter, and garlic.
The result is an ultra-creamy Alfredo dish with zero effort and maximum comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- True one-pot recipe – no boiling noodles separately.
- Creamy, silky Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan.
- Hands-off cooking — perfect for holidays or busy days.
- Customizable with chicken, veggies, or herbs.
- Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
Slow Cooker Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fettuccine pasta | 1 pound |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 4 cloves |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Cooked, diced chicken (optional) | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley | Chopped, for topping |
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In the slow cooker, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Stir well until everything is fully mixed. This will form your ultra-creamy Alfredo base.
Step 2: Add Butter and Optional Chicken
Drop the butter into the slow cooker.
If you’re including diced cooked chicken, add it now — it will warm gently and absorb the sauce flavor.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Break the fettuccine in half and place it into the slow cooker, making sure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.
Press down lightly if needed.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 1.5–2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
The pasta should become tender and silky as it absorbs the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Adjust & Serve
If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in extra Parmesan for more richness.
Top with fresh parsley, serve immediately, and enjoy every creamy, cozy bite.
Tips for Perfect Alfredo Pasta
- Stir regularly to prevent noodles from clumping.
- Add more broth if you want a looser sauce.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream at the end.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Holiday ham or roasted turkey
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why this pasta became known as “Holiday Hug in a Bowl”.
It’s warm, comforting, and unbelievably creamy — the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds.
Whether you’re making it for Christmas dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this slow cooker Alfredo pasta is sure to become a new family tradition.