There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that practically makes itself, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot Recipe. Tender chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach—pure magic after a long day!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe quickly became a go-to in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s so forgiving and flavorful. It feels fancy enough for guests but is simplicity itself—just toss everything into the crock pot and walk away. Plus, that creamy sauce just seals the deal.
- Hands-Off Cooking: You barely lift a finger once everything’s in the crock pot, making busy evenings easier.
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: The creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes make this taste like a restaurant dish.
- Healthy and Filling: Lean chicken breasts with plenty of protein and low carbs to keep you satisfied.
- Versatile Serving Options: Goes just as well over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes—flexibility for every palate.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together to create that signature creamy Tuscan flavor, while slow cooking makes the chicken perfectly tender. When you shop, look for quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor and fresh baby spinach—it brightens the dish wonderfully.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: They cook up juicy and soak in the sauce beautifully—just be careful not to overcook.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings the Tuscan vibe to life effortlessly.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the garlic and herbs.
- Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes: A mild smoky heat balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret to that irresistibly luscious sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce from being too thick and adds savory body.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce as it cooks so it clings to the chicken nicely.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that bold garlicky goodness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet tang and rich umami dimension.
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce that nutty, cheesy flair.
- Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and color without overpowering the dish.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I adore about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the greens or turn up the heat depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard—not only does it add a different texture, but it packs a nutrition punch too!
- Spice Level: If you like things a bit spicier, adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika really amps up the flavor.
- Dairy-Free Twist: For a dairy-free version, I’ve experimented using coconut cream and nutritional yeast, which gives a rich, creamy texture without the cheese.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Chicken
Start by spraying your slow cooker with some nonstick cooking spray or lining it with a crockpot liner to make clean-up a breeze—trust me, this really saves time later. Place the chicken breasts evenly in the bottom; don’t crowd them too much so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated parmesan, and your spices. Stir it well so the cornstarch dissolves completely and the flavors marry. Pour this over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for about 3 hours or low for 5 hours. The times vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken, so I always recommend checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should hit 165°F. This ensures juicy, fully cooked chicken without drying out.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, stir the sauce gently to combine everything and throw in the chopped spinach. Let it simmer another 10 minutes until the spinach wilts perfectly. This step brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color that makes a difference.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy chicken over your favorite base—whether it’s pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it’s the star here!
Top Tip
Through many attempts, I’ve learned there are simple tricks that help this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot Recipe shine every single time. These make your life easier and the end result tastier.
- Meat Thermometer is Your Best Friend: Use it to avoid overcooking—comfort food should be juicy, not dry.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s what gives the sauce that silky thickness without heaviness or clumps.
- Layer Flavors Thoughtfully: Adding sun-dried tomatoes early in the sauce helps release their sweetness into the creamy base.
- Final Spinach Add-In: Wait until the end to stir in spinach so it stays bright and fresh, not mushy.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan and some freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving—and a few torn fresh basil leaves if I have them. It adds a lovely aroma and a burst of herbal freshness that complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides are simple—some garlic butter noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Occasionally, I roast some asparagus or green beans with lemon and garlic to add a bit of texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this chicken over creamy polenta instead of pasta—it makes the dish feel elegant and cozy at the same time. You can also dish it into small ramekins for individual servings that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, so when you reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and keep that silky texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. This helps revive the creaminess without breaking the sauce or drying out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be mindful that thighs might need slightly less cooking time, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Make sure to stir the cornstarch thoroughly into the cream and broth before adding it to the crock pot. Also, avoid overheating when reheating leftovers. Low and slow heat works best to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Cook it in advance and portion it out for lunches or dinners through the week. It reheats well and saves you time on busy days.
Definitely! With chicken, spinach, and a creamy sauce, this recipe is naturally low-carb and high in protein, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot Recipe has made countless dinners shine here at my house—it’s reliable, delicious, and absolutely satisfying. I love sharing it because it combines easy prep with that comforting, homemade feel. You’ll enjoy how it simplifies your evenings while still feeling special. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite slow cooker recipe.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken is a simple, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with parmesan and spinach. This low-carb, high-protein dish delivers comforting Italian flavors with minimal prep, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker evenly.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until smooth.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness of the chicken.
- Add Spinach: Once chicken is fully cooked, stir the sauce gently and add the chopped baby spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over pasta, rice, or potatoes for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For easier cleanup, use a crockpot liner or ample nonstick spray in your slow cooker.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice for a full meal.
- Make sure to drain sundried tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture thinning the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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