Save to Pinterest Experience the ease and comfort of a Creamy Chicken Alfredo Slow-Cooker Dump Meal. This effortless recipe brings together tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious Alfredo sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and aromatic Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, simply dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or attend to other tasks. In just a few hours, you'll have a rich and satisfying Italian-American main dish ready to serve over your favorite pasta.
Save to Pinterest This Creamy Chicken Alfredo is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you choose to add mushrooms, peas, or onion, every variation yields a dish that's full of flavor and perfect for serving over tender fettuccine or linguine. The creamy sauce made from a blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and butter creates a decadent coating for the slow-cooked chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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
Make sure to soften the cream cheese before adding it to help it incorporate smoothly into the sauce. For added color and nutrients, stir in baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is quite flexible. You can omit the optional vegetables if preferred or swap the pasta for cooked gnocchi or zucchini noodles for a different twist. Adding crushed red pepper flakes brings a gentle kick, but you can leave them out to keep it mild.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your creamy chicken Alfredo with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to complete a classic Italian-American meal that will satisfy the whole family.
Save to Pinterest This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Slow-Cooker Dump Meal is the perfect combination of ease and indulgence. With minimal prep and a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want comfort food without the fuss. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a creamy classic made simple.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used but may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure thorough doneness.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish without pasta?
Absolutely! The creamy chicken mixture pairs well with gnocchi, zucchini noodles, or served over steamed vegetables.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water while warming.
- → Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, adding mushrooms, peas, or spinach enhances flavor and adds nutritional value. Add spinach in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- → What herbs complement the flavors best?
Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme blend well, highlighting the creamy and savory tones of the dish.