Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Alfredo: A Creamy, Comforting Meal Made Easy
If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Alfredo is the perfect recipe for you. It combines tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious Alfredo sauce—all cooked slowly to develop deep flavors and creamy textures. Plus, using a slow cooker means less hands-on time and more time to relax or prep other dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
Healthy Twist: Fresh spinach adds a nutritious boost without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Vegetarian Friendly: Packed with mushrooms and spinach, this pasta satisfies even the most dedicated meat lovers.
Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—just like traditional Alfredo, but without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work great)
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 cups fresh spinach
3 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
Prepare the Base: In the slow cooker, combine the butter, garlic, onion, mushrooms, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Pasta and Spinach: Stir in the pasta and spinach. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for another 30-40 minutes on low, or until the pasta is tender and the spinach has wilted.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting, creamy meal.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Alfredo
Use a slow cooker with a non-stick insert or spray it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Stir halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if you like.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Alfredo is a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers all the creamy goodness of classic Alfredo with fresh veggies and minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying meal.