There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas while being hands-off—and that’s exactly what I adore about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together, perfect for busy days or when you want a little Italian magic on your dinner table.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly can’t get enough of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe—it’s my go-to when I want a cozy, impressive dinner without a ton of fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting those flavors deepen to perfection.
- Hands-off cooking: Just toss everything in the crock pot and walk away—no standing over a stove!
- Rich, indulgent sauce: The creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan blend makes every bite velvety and satisfying.
- Healthy and high-protein: Lean chicken breasts shine here, making it a nutritious meal for the family.
- Versatile serving ideas: Pile it over pasta, rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes—you really can’t go wrong.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building those rich, classic Tuscan flavors. I always keep sundried tomatoes and parmesan on hand for tasks like this—they add sunshine and indulgence without any extra work.
- Chicken breasts: The lean protein base soaks up that luscious sauce beautifully without getting dry.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant medley of herbs that gives this dish its Tuscan flair.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
- Onion powder: Adds mellow sweetness and depth without needing to sauté fresh onions.
- Paprika and red pepper flakes: Give a subtle smoky warmth and just enough kick to keep things interesting.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates that ultra-rich, decadently creamy sauce that's just irresistible.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and prevents it from being too thick while cooking.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect silky texture.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds bold flavor that infuses the dish throughout slow cooking.
- Sundried tomatoes: Their concentrated sweet-tart taste is a game-changer in this recipe.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it an irresistible nutty richness.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy contrast and pops of green right before serving.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your personal tastes or dietary needs. I love to add a bit of extra garlic or swap out spinach for kale sometimes—it never disappoints.
- Variation: When I want a little extra comfort, I stir in a dollop of cream cheese at the end—that adds an extra layer of richness that’s just dreamy.
- Low-carb adaptation: Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a fresh, light twist.
- Seasonal switch-up: In winter, try swapping spinach for chopped frozen kale for a heartier feel.
- Heat it up: If you like spice, boost the red pepper flakes or toss in some chopped jalapeños.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crock Pot and Chicken
First things first, spray your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray or pop in a crockpot liner for easy cleanup—that’s a game changer. Then, lay your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker, making sure they’re spread out evenly so they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, grated parmesan, and all your Italian seasonings and spices. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so make sure to mix it really well so the cornstarch is fully dissolved—no lumps allowed!
Step 3: Combine and Cook Low and Slow
Pour this luscious sauce right over the chicken. Seal the lid and set your slow cooker to low for about 5 hours or high for 3 hours. I usually go low for tender, juicy chicken every time. Keep an instant-read thermometer nearby and check that your chicken hits 165°F so it’s perfectly cooked but still juicy.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Final Simmer
Once the chicken is done, stir the sauce around, then toss in the chopped baby spinach. Put the lid back on and let it cook for another 10 minutes until the spinach is just wilted. That fresh green brings brightness and balances all the creamy richness beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up the chicken smothered in that incredible sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or even buttery mashed potatoes. I love grabbing a big spoonful and soaking up every drop of that sauce—it’s seriously food for the soul.
Top Tip
I’ve learned through making this recipe dozens of times that the secret to perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe is all in the timing and layering of flavors. A few simple tweaks make it foolproof every time.
- Use fresh garlic: The fresh minced garlic adds a flavor depth that powder just can’t match, especially slow cooked.
- Check chicken thickness: Thicker breasts need a bit more time—an instant-read thermometer is your best friend here.
- Don’t skip cornstarch: It’s key to getting that perfectly creamy, thick sauce instead of something runny.
- Add spinach last: Tossing in greens too early can make them mushy. Wait until the end for just the right wilt.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra freshly grated parmesan and a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for color and brightness. Sometimes a light drizzle of good olive oil adds a lovely finish and richness.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides include creamy garlic mashed potatoes or angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs to keep things simple. Even a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes a nice contrast to all the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken in shallow pasta bowls with a garnish of microgreens and thin lemon slices to brighten the plate. It feels fancy but stays cozy and approachable—perfect for impressing friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually last 3 to 4 days, which is great for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, and it holds up well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers before cooking spinach, as that can get mushy when thawed. It warms up great and tastes almost as fresh as the first night.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming it gently over low heat on the stove to avoid the sauce separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help loosen the sauce and keep that creamy texture intact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, especially in slow cooking. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since thighs can cook faster depending on size.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. I recommend leaving out the spinach until you’re ready to reheat to keep it from turning mushy. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
This dish is delicious over pasta, rice, or potatoes. For a lighter touch, try serving with zucchini noodles or a fresh salad with lemon dressing—it balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Mixing the cornstarch well into the cream and broth before adding it to the crock pot helps avoid lumps and ensures the sauce thickens evenly as it cooks. If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes to thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it delivers on flavor, ease, and that warm, home-cooked feel. It’s one of those dishes that impresses guests without stress, so go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be hooked just like I was on my first bite.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken in 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
A creamy and flavorful Tuscan chicken slow-cooked to perfection with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe yields tender chicken breasts in a rich sauce, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or potatoes for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 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
- 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 line it with a crockpot liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Chicken: Place the 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they are well coated.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked. Note that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Add Spinach: Once the chicken is cooked, stir the sauce gently, then add the chopped baby spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach has wilted and is tender.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or potatoes for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for a fuss-free, elegant dinner that's both low-carb and high-protein.
- Using a crockpot liner simplifies cleaning afterward.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.
- For thicker sauce, you can increase cornstarch slightly or reduce the cooking liquid.
- Fresh baby spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable—just thaw and drain excess water before adding.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Cooking times may vary based on slow cooker model and chicken breast size; always check the internal temperature for safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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