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This Slow Cooker Spinach Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to make with just four simple ingredients. Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work—no boiling pasta separately! It’s a one-pot meal ideal for busy weeknights, meatless Mondays, or when you just need a no-fuss dinner that the whole family will love.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours (on high) or 4–5 hours (on low)
- Total Time: About 2.5 to 5 hours
- Servings: 4–6
Equipment
- 4–6 quart slow cooker
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Optional: Cheese grater, serving spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Avoid delicate pasta shapes. Rotini, penne, or rigatoni hold up best in the slow cooker.
- Alfredo Sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand, or go with a garlic or mushroom variation for extra flavor.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best, but you can substitute with 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained).
- Broth: Chicken broth adds more flavor, but use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
Instructions
- Spray or grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Add pasta, chopped spinach, Alfredo sauce, and broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours. Stir halfway through if possible to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness: Pasta should be tender but not mushy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
(Exact values depend on specific brands used.)
Tips
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, sausage, or canned white beans before serving for a protein boost.
- Don’t overcook: Pasta can go from perfect to mushy quickly in the slow cooker, so check it after 2 hours on high.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan at the end for extra richness.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers pair well and add more depth.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free Alfredo sauce and veggie broth.
- Baked Finish: Pour cooked pasta into a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 5 minutes until golden.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Stir in some peas or corn to add subtle sweetness and color.
