Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish In my kitchen, the right ingredients make all the difference. For this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, I love using fresh and simple items. Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay moist. Next, you'll need one cup of cherry tomatoes. Halve them for bursts of flavor. Add one cup of fresh spinach for color and nutrition. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes give a rich taste, so use half a cup. Creaminess comes from one cup of heavy cream. It makes the sauce smooth and rich. A cup of chicken broth adds depth and flavor. Don't forget half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a savory touch. For seasoning, I use three cloves of minced garlic. It enhances the dish without overpowering it. One teaspoon of Italian seasoning brings warmth. Add one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper for balance. Finally, choose your pasta. I recommend 12 ounces of penne or fettuccine. Both hold the sauce well. Top it all off with fresh basil leaves for a bright finish. With these ingredients, you're set for a delicious meal. - Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This layer will soak up all the good flavors. - In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. This creamy mix is key to the dish's rich taste. - Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover all the chicken well. - Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Spread them out evenly for a nice blend of flavors. - After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the creamy sauce. - In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Gently fold everything together. Let it cook for an extra 5-10 minutes on low heat. This allows the spinach to wilt and the pasta to warm up. - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and blends well with the sauce. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta! When using a slow cooker, you can choose low or high settings. The low setting cooks for 6-7 hours, while the high setting takes 3-4 hours. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Look for these signs of doneness: - Chicken should be tender and easily shreddable. - The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you need a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. For gluten-free pasta, use rice or corn-based options. These changes keep the dish creamy and flavorful without the gluten or dairy. To serve this dish beautifully, use wide, shallow bowls. This allows the creamy sauce and vibrant colors to shine. Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds flavor and makes the dish look lovely. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Just swap the chicken for plant-based proteins. Options like chickpeas or tofu work well. They absorb the flavors and add protein to your meal. Use the same creamy sauce to keep it rich and satisfying. This change makes the dish lighter and is great for meat-free days. Want to boost the veggies? You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies add color and nutrition. Chop them up and toss them in the slow cooker with the chicken or plant-based proteins. They will cook down nicely and add great flavor. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. The pasta shape you choose can change the dish's texture. While penne or fettuccine works great, feel free to explore other types. Try bowtie, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Each shape captures the sauce differently, making each bite unique. Choose what you love or have on hand for a fun twist. To store your Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly to prevent air from entering. You can freeze this dish for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Use a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the lid. This step helps avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Leftovers can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If frozen, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. Yes, you can cook this dish on the stove. To do this, sauté the chicken in a large pot until browned. Then, add the sauce mix and tomatoes. Let it simmer on low for about 30 minutes. This method will give you a tasty meal in less time than the slow cooker. To keep pasta from sticking, follow these tips: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. - Stir the pasta often as it cooks. - Add a pinch of salt to the water. - Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil. These steps help your pasta stay separate and delicious. For a complete meal, try these side dishes: - Garlic bread for dipping. - A fresh garden salad with lemon dressing. - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. These sides will balance the creamy pasta and make your meal even better. This blog post guides you through making Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. I shared the key ingredients and easy steps to prepare your meal. You learned about cooking tips, ingredient swaps, and how to store leftovers. Try different variations to make this dish your own. Whether you go vegetarian or add more veggies, the options are endless. Enjoy this tasty, comforting meal with family and friends. You can create great food with simple steps and a little creativity!$

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with this easy recipe! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes simmered to perfection, you'll delight in every bite. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight! #TuscanChicken #SlowCookerRecipes #PastaLovers #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are well mixed.

Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce.

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the slow cooker, and gently fold everything together. Let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on low to allow the spinach to wilt and the pasta to heat through.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated into the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in bowls, garnishing each with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.