Dinner · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Crockpot Parmesan Asparagus Turkey Breast

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 6
This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. Tender turkey cutlets and fresh asparagus simmer in a rich, velvety sauce made with cream of celery soup, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
The result is a hearty, satisfying dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but it comes together in just 10 minutes of prep. Serve it over buttered egg noodles for a complete meal the whole family will love.
When you need a no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor, this Crockpot Parmesan Asparagus Turkey Breast is the answer. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity: layer the ingredients, cover, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
The turkey comes out fork-tender, the asparagus stays bright and crisp-tender, and the sauce turns into a luscious, cheesy gravy. It's a complete meal in one pot, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless turkey breast cutlets
- 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of celery soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 12 oz buttered twisted egg noodles, cooked
Why this recipe works
The slow cooker's low, steady heat gently breaks down the turkey breast, making it exceptionally tender and juicy. Cooking the turkey with the soup and cheeses creates a self-basting environment, so the meat stays moist without any added liquid. The cream cheese and Parmesan melt into the cooking juices, forming a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
Asparagus cooks quickly, so adding it at the beginning of the slow cooking time might make it mushy. However, because the slow cooker is not boiling, the asparagus retains its texture and bright green color.
It absorbs the flavors of the sauce while staying pleasantly crisp. This method is foolproof and requires minimal attention, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
Notes and substitutions
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano rather than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness. The cream of celery soup adds a subtle savory note and helps thicken the sauce. If you prefer a milder celery flavor, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
Boneless turkey breast cutlets are ideal because they cook evenly and are easy to shred. If you only have a bone-in turkey breast, you can use it, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and remove the bones before shredding.
The buttered egg noodles are a classic pairing, but this dish is also delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- cream of celery soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor base.
- fresh asparagus: Frozen asparagus spears (thawed) can be used; reduce cooking time by 30 minutes.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano work well.
- egg noodles: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Equipment
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving spoon
Up next · Part 2 of 3
7 steps · 4 h of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)