Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Crockpot

Dive Into Deliciousness

If you’re craving a hearty meal that warms the soul and satisfies the palate, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta made effortlessly in your crockpot. In my experience, there’s something magical about returning home to a kitchen infused with the rich aromas of garlic and Italian herbs. This dish, bursting with flavor, combines succulent chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, making it the perfect accompaniment for any weeknight dinner or special gathering. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What makes this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta so special? For starters, it’s incredibly simple and convenient. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on family time or relaxing after a busy day. The creamy sauce envelops the tender chicken and al dente penne pasta, creating a dish that tastes gourmet without the fuss.

Imagine coming home to this—nothing sounds better than a meal that’s both comforting and rich in flavor. It’s budget-friendly, too, making it a fantastic choice for families looking to keep costs down while still enjoying delicious food. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family brunch, this dish has you covered.

“This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta was a hit with my family! Even my kids gobbled it up. I love how easy it was to prepare. I’ll definitely make it again!” – Happy Customer

Preparing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Crockpot

Creating this culinary masterpiece is a breeze, especially with a few simple steps. The thrill lies in how quickly everything comes together! You’ll start by layering the chicken at the bottom of your crockpot—this allows them to soak up all that zesty flavor while they cook. Then, mix your creamy sauce ingredients, pour it over the chicken, and let the slow cooker do its magic. About half an hour before you’re ready to serve, you’ll introduce the spinach and pasta for that final touch.

Let’s break it down into easily digestible components.

What You’ll Need

Gather up these essential ingredients for a dish that delivers on flavor and texture:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• Fresh basil for garnish

You can easily swap chicken breasts for thighs or try using different pasta shapes such as farfalle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to prepare this delectable dish:

1. Layer the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook: Set your crockpot to low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add the Greens and Pasta: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the fresh spinach and penne pasta. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid to cook properly.
5. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
6. Garnish: Top with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving this dish, the options are endless. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top always adds a delightful creaminess. Pair your creamy pasta casserole with a light side salad for some freshness, or some crusty garlic bread for that perfect tack-on. You might also enjoy it with a glass of Chianti to elevate the dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely, since this recipe serves a crowd!), you’ll want to ensure they stay as delicious as they were on day one. Store any uneaten pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess.

For longer-term storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Just be sure to cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Crockpot meal turns out perfectly every time:

• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken; just add it in the last hour of cooking to heat through.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option, allowing you to control the salt content better.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices; adding crushed red pepper can give it a nice kick if desired.

Creative Twists

While this recipe is fantastic as is, you could also play around with flavors. For a Mediterranean flair, toss in some olives or capers. You can replace spinach with kale for added nutrition, or even switch to a whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber. Adjusting the cheese level is also a great way to customize according to what you have on hand.

Common Questions

How much prep time do I need for this recipe?
Preparation time is minimal, generally around 15 minutes, which makes this a great option for busy days.

Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter version?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or a milk alternative, but bear in mind that the sauce may be less creamy.

Is it safe to store leftovers?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are properly cooled and stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta made in a crockpot is not just easy; it’s also packed with flavors your whole family will adore. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s sure to impress. To explore more delicious slow-cooker recipes like this, check out Crockpot Tuscan Chicken. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A hearty and flavorful dish made effortlessly in the crockpot, featuring chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream You can substitute with half-and-half or a milk alternative for a lighter version.
• 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium is recommended for a healthier option.
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach Can be substituted with kale.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adjust according to preference.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Feel free to experiment with spices.
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 8 ounces penne pasta Other pasta shapes can be used.
• to garnish Fresh basil For added color and flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Layer the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and pour over the chicken.
3. Set the crockpot to low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh spinach and penne pasta, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
6. Top with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.