Pin It Experience the comfort of Italian-American home cooking with this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Slow-Cooker Dump Meal. Tender chicken breasts gently simmer in a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce, enriched with Parmesan and Italian herbs. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights—simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and come back to a rich and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta.
Pin It This dish delights with its velvety sauce and tender chicken, making dinner a warm, satisfying experience. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks. Serve it over fettuccine or linguine for a classic presentation that will impress both family and guests.
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
Use a 4-6 quart slow cooker for best results. Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps. If adding optional vegetables, distribute them evenly over the chicken before pouring the sauce. Shred the chicken for a more rustic, hearty texture or slice for a neater presentation. Adjust cooking times slightly if your slow cooker runs hot or cool.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. Baby spinach can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added greens. To switch things up, serve over cooked gnocchi or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Serviervorschläge
This creamy chicken Alfredo pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. Finish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for vibrant color and extra flavor.
Pin It This Creamy Chicken Alfredo slow-cooker recipe delivers creamy indulgence with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting guests, it’s a comforting classic that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy the simplicity and richness of homemade Italian comfort food on those busy nights.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and absorb the sauce well, resulting in tender meat.
- → Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, adding mushrooms, peas, and onions enhances flavor and texture, but they are optional.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Use full-fat dairy like heavy cream and cream cheese, and stir gently after cooking to maintain a smooth texture.
- → Is it possible to cook on low instead of high?
Yes, cooking on low for 7 hours yields tender chicken and well-blended flavors, ideal for slow cooking.
- → What pasta pairs well with this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine are traditional choices that hold the creamy sauce beautifully.