Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably jarred in oil)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, packed (frozen can be used, drained)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 grams)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 10 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning chicken)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Optional: Brown chicken breasts in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach on top.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Remove chicken breasts from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth. Add a splash of broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
- Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Do not add pasta to slow cooker at the start to avoid mushiness; cook separately and add at the end. Use softened cream cheese at room temperature to avoid clumping. Browning chicken is optional but adds flavor. Stir sauce well after adding cream cheese and Parmesan to ensure smooth texture. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and cheeses with alternatives. For low-carb, substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker, Tuscan chicken, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, chicken pasta, slow cooker recipe