Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Alfredo
Introduction
Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Alfredo is perfect for busy weeknights.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting mushrooms release their earthy flavor and spinach add a fresh, vibrant touch.
With a luscious Alfredo sauce coating every bite of pasta, this dish is a hit for both vegetarians and comfort-food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
- Place mushrooms, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, or until mushrooms are tender and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- About 20–30 minutes before serving, add uncooked pasta and stir. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- In the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Description
This Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Alfredo is rich, creamy, and perfectly comforting.
The slow cooker ensures the sauce is velvety and the pasta absorbs all the flavors from the mushrooms and garlic.
Every bite is smooth, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome vegetables, making it a family-friendly meal with minimal effort.
Tips
- Use pasta that holds sauce well like fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
- Add pasta towards the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Try adding a little mozzarella or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to keep creamy.
Corrections / Common Mistakes
- If your sauce seems thin, remove the lid in the last 20 minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Stir pasta gently after adding to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Timing is key—add pasta late in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Serve this creamy, dreamy pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.
It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky, comforting bite!
