If you’ve been searching for a hearty yet easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor, look no further. This slow cooker creamy Tuscan chicken is all about comfort, with tender chicken, a rich, creamy sauce, and the Italian flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. Imagine coming home after a busy day to the smell of herbs, garlic, and cream wafting from your slow cooker—pure bliss!
The chicken turns out perfectly tender as it simmers in a sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, with a touch of sun-dried tomatoes for that deep, umami flavor. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread, it’s a dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This recipe is simple, yet delivers a restaurant-quality meal with little effort. Here’s why you should make it:
- Tender, Juicy Chicken – Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker ensures it stays moist and perfectly tender.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce – The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luscious sauce that coats the chicken and whatever you serve it with.
- Minimal Effort – Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The best part? It practically makes itself!
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, the richness of the cream, and the freshness of spinach all balance perfectly for a satisfying meal.
This dish is the definition of comfort food, but it’s also easy enough for a busy weeknight or special weekend dinner.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This dish uses simple, yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create an indulgent, creamy meal:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Both work well, though thighs add a bit more flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness and makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a deep, tangy flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach wilts down to create a burst of freshness and color in the creamy sauce.
- Garlic – A key ingredient for adding depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – A bit of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Helps thin the sauce and gives it a rich, savory base.
These ingredients combine to create a rich and comforting dish that will become a family favorite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Making this creamy Tuscan chicken is so easy! Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the boneless chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Make the Creamy Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add the Spinach – About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt into the sauce and add a pop of color and freshness.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and stir it into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve – Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
That’s it! With minimal prep, you have a rich and creamy dish that will wow your taste buds.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This creamy chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pasta | The creamy sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. |
| Rice | A bed of steamed rice soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. |
| Garlic Bread | A warm, crispy bread to scoop up all the delicious creamy sauce. |
| Steamed Veggies | Light, fresh vegetables like broccoli or asparagus balance out the richness of the sauce. |
| Roasted Potatoes | Crispy, golden roasted potatoes make a hearty and flavorful side. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This dish makes great leftovers, perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken and sauce over low heat in a saucepan. Add a little more chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: If you have leftovers, you can reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
For the best results, follow these tips:
- Use chicken thighs for extra richness, but chicken breasts work great as well.
- Fresh spinach is ideal, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or chicken broth based on your preference.
- Add extra flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes if cooking on high or an hour on low.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and the Parmesan with dairy-free cheese.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
5. What should I serve with this dish?
Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed veggies or roasted potatoes also works great.
This slow cooker creamy Tuscan chicken is everything you want in a comforting, flavorful dish—easy to make, full of rich, delicious flavors, and perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and creamy sauce
- Large Skillet For searing the chicken
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup creamy pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces penne pasta or your favorite pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the creamy pesto sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use **chicken thighs** for extra flavor, or add **spinach** for an extra veggie boost.
- Top with extra **Parmesan** or a drizzle of **olive oil** for added richness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for **up to 3 days** and reheated easily on the stove or in the microwave.
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