Creamy Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo
Looking for a rich, comforting, and easy vegetarian pasta dish? This Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect no-fuss meal. With tender pasta, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, this dish delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients:
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8 oz fettuccine pasta, broken in half
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup milk
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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8 oz sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Break the fettuccine pasta in half and spread it evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps it cook uniformly and prevents clumping.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the sauce for a few minutes, just until everything is well blended and slightly heated (do not boil).
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Carefully pour the warm cream mixture over the pasta, ensuring all the pasta is coated and mostly submerged in liquid. Use a spoon to gently press the pasta down if needed.
Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Spinach
Top the pasta with sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach. These will steam and cook down perfectly as the dish simmers in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally. The pasta should be soft but not mushy, and the sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes silky and rich. This step adds the signature Alfredo flavor and extra creaminess.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit covered for 10–15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to fully develop.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:
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Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
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A crisp green salad
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Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli
Variations & Helpful Tips
Add Protein
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
Spice It Up
Like a little heat? Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cream mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
Make It Dairy-Free
Use coconut milk, almond milk, or another plant-based alternative, and replace the butter and Parmesan with vegan substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Change Up the Pasta
Try penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta if you prefer a different texture. Just be sure to adjust cook times as needed.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Spinach and Mushroom Alfredo Pasta is creamy, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. With its hands-off cooking method and flexible ingredients, it’s a go-to favorite for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting guests, this slow cooker Alfredo recipe is guaranteed to impress.