Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. The chicken provides protein, while sun-dried tomatoes add a rich flavor. Heavy cream makes the dish creamy and smooth. Chicken broth helps blend all the flavors together. Italian seasoning gives a nice touch of herbs. Garlic adds a strong aroma that boosts the taste. The fettuccine pasta serves as a perfect base for this dish, and fresh spinach brings in a pop of color and nutrients. Parmesan cheese adds a salty flavor that ties everything together. Salt and pepper help to enhance the flavors further. Fresh basil is a great garnish that adds a nice herbal note when you serve the dish. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. The quality of your ingredients matters a lot. Each one plays a role in making your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta a rich and creamy delight. Seasoning and Layering Ingredients Start by placing the two chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds great flavor right from the start. Next, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Layer them over the chicken. Cooking Chicken and Cream Mixture Pour in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of chicken broth. Make sure the chicken is fully covered with the liquid. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for four hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred. Removing and Shredding the Chicken After four hours, carefully take out the chicken. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step makes the chicken mix well with the pasta later. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stirring in Fresh Spinach Now, add the two cups of fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Stir it in gently. Let it wilt for about five minutes. The spinach adds color and nutrition to the dish. Cooking Fettuccine Pasta While the spinach wilts, cook the eight ounces of fettuccine pasta. Follow the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta well. Combining Pasta with Sauce and Garnishes After the spinach has wilted, add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Mix everything gently to combine. Finish by adding half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until it melts and blends with the sauce. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot and enjoy! - Ensuring Optimal Chicken Tenderness To keep chicken tender, choose boneless, skinless breasts. Season them well with salt and pepper. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. The cream and broth will help keep the chicken moist. Cook on low for four hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become juicy and easy to shred. - Adjusting Cooking Times for Different Slow Cooker Models Every slow cooker cooks a bit differently. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken after three hours. If it’s older or cooler, you may need to cook it for five hours. Always check the chicken. It should shred easily when done. - Customizing Seasoning Adjustments You can adjust the Italian seasoning to fit your taste. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic. For a spicy kick, try red pepper flakes. Taste as you go. This ensures the flavors are just right for you. - Suggestions for Additional Ingredients Consider adding olives or artichokes for extra flavor. You can also toss in bell peppers or mushrooms. These veggies add color and texture. Feel free to mix in whatever you have on hand. - Proper Plating Techniques Use large bowls to serve the pasta. This allows for easy mixing and keeps the dish warm. Scoop the pasta and sauce generously into each bowl. This looks nice and makes it easy for guests to enjoy. - Garnishing Ideas for Serving Top each serving with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. You can even add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. These garnishes make your dish look and taste gourmet. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta in this dish. Fettuccine works well, but penne or rotini are also great choices. Each pasta shape holds the sauce differently, adding its own charm. Try adding different vegetables too. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can bring new flavors. You can sauté them first or toss them in raw. They will cook down nicely in the slow cooker. If you need a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. This gives a rich taste without dairy. You can also use a dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands sell great alternatives. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it can vary. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. You can even try different sauces like pesto for a twist. Herbs can change the flavor too. If you have fresh thyme or oregano, toss them in. They bring a fresh taste that pairs well with the chicken and cream. To store your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently. - How to Store Leftovers Properly: Use airtight containers to keep the dish fresh. Make sure to cool it before sealing. - Best Practices for Reheating: Reheat in a pot on low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. If you want to keep the dish longer, freezing is a great option. This pasta dish freezes well if done correctly. - Freezing the Dish for Longer Storage: Allow the pasta to cool. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also divide it into smaller portions. - Thawing and Reheating Tips: To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in a microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry. Knowing how long your dish lasts is key. - How Long Does it Last in the Refrigerator or Freezer?: In the fridge, it lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Can I cook this on high instead of low? Yes, you can cook this dish on high. If you do, check it after 2 hours. Cooking on high makes the chicken tender, but it may not be as creamy. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, add an extra hour to the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F. What sides go well with Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta? This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread or roasted veggies also make great sides. These options balance the rich flavors of the dish. How can I make this dish vegetarian? To make this dish vegetarian, swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and creamy. How can I add more vegetables to the dish? You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Chop them and add them to the slow cooker with the sun-dried tomatoes. This adds color and nutrients. Can I substitute heavy cream with another ingredient? Yes, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk as a lighter option. Both will keep the dish creamy while changing the flavor slightly. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta. We covered main and additional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for cooking and serving. You learned how to customize this dish and store leftovers properly. In summary, this recipe offers a yummy meal that you can make your own. With a few tweaks, it can fit different diets or tastes. I hope you enjoy cooking this dish and sharing it with others!

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe! Just throw together chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy goodness for a meal that cooks itself while you relax. Perfectly seasoned and topped with fresh spinach and Parmesan, this dish is easy and delicious. Ready in just over 4 hours, your family will love every bite. Click to explore the full recipe and bring home a taste of Tuscany!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups fresh spinach

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

    Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic over the chicken.

      Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is covered with the mixture.

        Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

          After 4 hours, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

            Stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt for about 5 minutes.

              In the meantime, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.

                Once the spinach has wilted, add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and mix everything gently.

                  Finish with grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine and melt the cheese into the dish.

                    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a beautiful, vibrant finish.