Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Introduction

Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. This dish features tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts (or thighs) simmered in a luxurious creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s the kind of recipe that feels gourmet but requires very little effort—your slow cooker does most of the work! Pair it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. The chicken comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce is creamy, garlicky, and deeply flavorful from the Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. It feels indulgent but is still wholesome, with the spinach adding a fresh, vibrant touch. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions—easy enough for a busy day but impressive enough for guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• Effortless Gourmet: Looks fancy, but it’s slow cooker easy.
• Rich & Creamy Sauce: The garlic Parmesan cream sauce is irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Goes with pasta, rice, polenta, or even roasted veggies.
• Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids, but can be spiced up for adults.
  It’s one of those meals that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 5–6 hours on LOW
• Total Time: 3.5–6.5 hours
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving (varies with portion size and sides)

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Course: Main Dish, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add chicken to crockpot, followed by broth, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Cook until chicken is tender.
4. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and spinach near the end.
5. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Layer in Crockpot: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is fully cooked.
4. Prepare Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. If sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch slurry and stir it in.
5. Add Spinach: Stir in spinach during the last 5–10 minutes until wilted.
6. Finish: Garnish with fresh basil (optional).
7. Serve: Plate chicken with creamy sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve chicken topped with the creamy sauce and extra Parmesan.
• Pair with:
  • Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • Rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
  • Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
  • A side of garlic bread or roasted veggies

Additional Recipe Tips

• Sear chicken in a skillet before adding to crockpot for extra flavor (optional).
• Use Parmesan from a block—it melts creamier than pre-grated.
• Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• For extra richness, stir in 2 oz of cream cheese with the cream.

Variations

• Keto-Friendly: Use thighs, heavy cream, and skip pasta—serve with zucchini noodles.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce cheese.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas.
• Mushroom Twist: Add 1 cup mushrooms along with sun-dried tomatoes.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce (without spinach) for up to 2 months. Add fresh spinach when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or ladle

Conclusion

Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and effortless dish that feels like fine dining but is made with simple ingredients in your slow cooker. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach elevate tender chicken into a comforting yet elegant dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe will impress every time—and the best part is, it’s mostly hands-off!