Pin it Experience the ultimate in comforting, effortless dinners with this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Slow-Cooker Dump Meal. Tender chicken breasts slowly simmer in a luscious Alfredo sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and aromatic Italian herbs. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights—simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come home to a rich, hearty meal that feels indulgent yet easy.
Pin it This dish embraces the slow cooker’s ability to transform simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite of tender chicken. The combination of cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese offers a decadence that feels indulgent without fuss. Plus, with optional vegetables, you can tailor it to your tastes or what you have on hand.
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
- Step 1
- Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 2
- Scatter minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) over the chicken.
- Step 3
- Add mushrooms and peas, if desired.
- Step 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.
- Step 5
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Step 6
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- Step 7
- Remove the chicken, shred or slice as desired, and return to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Step 8
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9
- Serve hot over cooked pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. Add baby spinach for extra greens in the last 30 minutes of cooking to introduce freshness and color. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust the seasoning and optional vegetables to suit your preferences.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can swap the pasta for cooked gnocchi or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. The optional peas and mushrooms add nice texture and nutrition but can be omitted if you prefer a simpler dish. To make it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or serve with a sprinkle of chili flakes at the table.
Serviervorschläge
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-American comfort meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese to bring out the sauce’s rich flavors. It’s a hearty dinner that works well for both family meals and casual entertaining.
Pin it With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a failsafe way to bring comfort and flavor to your table. Whether for busy nights or when you crave a cozy Italian-American favorite, this dump meal delivers rich satisfaction that everyone will love.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and shredding, but thighs can be used for a juicier result.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, mushrooms, peas, and onions blend well and can be added directly to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- → How do I adjust seasoning in the sauce?
Taste the sauce after cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for balanced flavor.
- → Can I substitute pasta with other bases?
Gnocchi or zucchini noodles are great alternatives to traditional pasta and pair nicely with the creamy sauce.
- → What is a lighter option for the creamy sauce?
Half-and-half can replace heavy cream, and Neufchâtel cheese can substitute cream cheese for a lighter texture.