Save A rich, comforting slow-cooker dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Alfredo sauce with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights just dump, cook, and enjoy!
I love how this recipe saves me time on busy nights while delivering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
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.
Save This dish brings my family together for comforting meals especially on busy weeknights when time is tight.
Notes
For a lighter version substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese Add baby spinach for extra greens in the last 30 minutes of cooking Pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread Substitute cooked gnocchi or zucchini noodles for pasta if desired
Required Tools
4-6 quart slow cooker Mixing bowl Whisk Knife and cutting board Pasta pot
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cream cheese butter) Wheat (pasta) Double-check processed ingredient labels for gluten and lactose if sensitive
Save Enjoy this creamy chicken Alfredo as a comforting family favorite that is simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What is the best way to prepare the chicken for this dish?
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts placed directly into the slow cooker for even cooking and tenderness.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, mushrooms and peas can be added for extra texture and flavor. Baby spinach is great in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- → What type of pasta pairs well with this meal?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal as their wide strands hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- → How can I adjust the creaminess of the sauce?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and substitute Neufchâtel cheese to create a lighter sauce without losing richness.
- → Is it possible to cook this outside of a slow cooker?
While designed for slow cooking, a gentle stovetop simmer can work, but watch closely to prevent burning and adjust timing.