Save It Creamy Chicken Alfredo Slow-Cooker Dump Meal is your new go-to for busy weeknights. This Italian-American classic comes together effortlessly by layering tender chicken breasts with garlic, Parmesan, and a luscious Alfredo sauce—all in your slow cooker. Set it and forget it, then return to a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
Save It This meal marries simplicity and indulgence, making homemade Alfredo accessible even on your busiest days. You can customize with frozen peas or fresh mushrooms to sneak in some veggies, or keep it classic. The sauce blends heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan, balanced with herbs and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
Ingredients
- Meats
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas (optional)
- 2 cups (250 g) sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
- Sauce & Dairy
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pasta (for serving)
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- 1. Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- 2. Scatter minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) over the chicken.
- 3. Add mushrooms and peas, if desired.
- 4. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, cream cheese, butter, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes until mostly smooth.
- 5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- 6. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- 7. Remove the chicken, shred or slice as desired, and return to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- 8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 9. Serve hot over cooked pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an easier cleanup and minimal effort, simply layer the ingredients as instructed and trust the slow cooker to do the rest. To boost flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and freshly minced garlic. If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese. Remember to cook the pasta just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add baby spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra greens. Mushrooms and peas are optional but make great additions. For a gluten-free plate, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cooked gnocchi. You can tailor the heat by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your creamy slow-cooker chicken Alfredo over freshly cooked fettuccine or linguine. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch. Pair the meal with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to balance the richness of the sauce and create a comforting Italian-American dinner experience.
Save It With its effortless preparation and rich flavors, this slow-cooker chicken Alfredo is set to become a regular in your weeknight rotation. Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing comfort, and customize it to fit your family's preferences every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for even cooking and tender texture in slow-cooked dishes.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, mushrooms and peas are great additions. Baby spinach can also be stirred in during the last 30 minutes for extra greens.
- → How do I adjust the cooking time?
Cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 7 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- → What pasta pairs well with this sauce?
Fettuccine or linguine complement the creamy texture well, but gnocchi or zucchini noodles can be substituted.
- → Can I lighten the creaminess of the sauce?
Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swapping cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese can reduce richness while maintaining flavor.