Save Slow-cooked Creamy Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, blending tender chicken breasts with a luscious, homemade Alfredo sauce. This hands-off slow cooker meal transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory dish that effortlessly fills the kitchen with enticing aromas. Whether you have time to simmer or need to set it and forget it, this recipe covers all bases for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dinner.
Save This Italian-American favorite comes alive in the slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld beautifully without constant supervision. The combination of Parmesan, cream cheese, and butter gives the sauce a velvety texture while the garlic and herbs provide a fragrant depth that pairs wonderfully with pasta. Whether you serve it over classic fettuccine or your favorite noodles, each bite is creamy comfort at its best.
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 to ensure even cooking. For easier shredding, cook chicken breasts until very tender. Whisking the sauce ingredients until mostly smooth helps avoid lumps. If adding baby spinach, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it fresh. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Make a lighter version by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and using Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. Skip optional vegetables for a simpler dish, or add other greens like baby spinach or kale in the final stages. For low-carb options, replace pasta with cooked gnocchi or zucchini noodles. This recipe is not suitable for lactose-free or vegan diets due to dairy ingredients.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy Alfredo over freshly cooked fettuccine or linguine to soak up every drop of sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that delights the whole family.
Save This slow-cooker Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a delicious shortcut to a classic Italian-American favorite, bringing rich comfort with ease. Its straightforward preparation and versatile nature make it ideal for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Enjoy the hearty, creamy goodness that reliably pleases any dinner table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?
Yes, fresh basil, oregano, and thyme can be used to enhance freshness. Add them during the last hour of cooking to preserve flavor.
- → Is it necessary to shred the chicken after cooking?
Shredding is optional. You can slice or serve the chicken breasts whole depending on your preference for texture.
- → What pasta pairs best with this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but other long pastas like tagliatelle work nicely too.
- → Can I add vegetables to this meal?
Absolutely. Adding mushrooms, peas, or baby spinach towards the end of cooking adds color, nutrients, and flavor.
- → How do I make a lighter version of this dish?
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese to reduce richness without sacrificing creaminess.