Save Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Slow-Cooker Dump Meal. Designed for busy weeknights, it brings together tender chicken breasts simmered slowly in a rich Alfredo sauce bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs. The hands-off approach means you simply layer the ingredients, let your slow cooker work its magic, and come back to a delicious, creamy dinner that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. This recipe makes meal prep effortless without sacrificing flavor or indulgence.
Save This dish combines the convenience of a dump meal with the classic charm of Italian-American cuisine. The creamy Alfredo sauce, enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan, melds beautifully with garlic and herbs to create a comforting flavor that feels homemade without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, the slow cooker lets you come home to a warm, ready-to-eat dish that pairs effortlessly with fettuccine or linguine.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- 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)
- 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
- 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)
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine, cooked according to package instructions (for serving)
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
To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. For added greens and nutrition, stir in fresh baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This slow cooker recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it simple to incorporate your family's favorite vegetables or adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try swapping out the pasta for cooked gnocchi or zucchini noodles to change the texture and nutritional profile. You can also omit optional vegetables like peas and mushrooms if you prefer a simpler version. This recipe is not suitable for lactose-free or vegan diets but works wonderfully as a rich, dairy-based comfort meal.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy Chicken Alfredo over freshly cooked fettuccine or linguine for a classic pairing. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. It also goes well with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-American dinner experience.
Save This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Slow-Cooker Dump Meal combines ease, flavor, and comfort in one pot. Perfect for any day when you want a satisfying Italian-American meal without hours of prep, it proves that delicious slow cooking can be both simple and decadent. Enjoy the creamy, tender results and share this crowd-pleaser with family or friends at your next dinner.
Recipe Q&A
- → How long should I cook the chicken on low?
Cooking on low heat takes about 7 hours, ensuring tender, juicy chicken infused with the creamy sauce flavors.
- → Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, mushrooms, peas, and onions are great additions to boost flavor and texture during cooking.
- → What pasta pairs well with this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine work best to hold the creamy Alfredo sauce and complement the tender chicken.
- → Is it possible to lighten the sauce?
Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and using Neufchâtel cheese reduces richness without sacrificing creaminess.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Layering ingredients in the slow cooker earlier in the day works well, allowing flavors to meld during cooking.