There’s something truly comforting about a meal that’s both effortless and indulgent, and that’s exactly what this Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe delivers. The aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes mingling with fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce? Absolutely irresistible.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when dinner prep needed to be quick yet satisfying—and it exceeded all my expectations. It's the kind of dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort, perfect for those days when you want comfort without the fuss.
- Set-It-and-Forget-It: Toss everything into the crock pot and walk away—no hovering over the stove needed.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, parmesan, and sundried tomatoes creates a sauce so luscious, you’ll want to savor every bite.
- Healthy and Protein Packed: With lean chicken breasts and spinach, it’s a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether over pasta, rice, or potatoes, this recipe pairs beautifully and cheers up any side dish.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe balances fresh and pantry staple ingredients to create that signature Tuscan flavor. Each component plays a role in building depth, creaminess, and just enough kick to keep things interesting.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and easy to cook low and slow in the crock pot without drying out.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds warmth and herbaceous notes that make the sauce taste vibrant.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essentials for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- Onion Powder: Gives a subtle savory background without the texture of raw onions.
- Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of smoky sweetness and gentle heat, balancing richness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The heart of the creamy sauce—it thickens beautifully when mixed with cornstarch.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce light and adds depth of flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, so it clings perfectly to the chicken and spinach.
- Garlic, Minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that robust Tuscan aroma.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These punchy, slightly sweet tomatoes infuse the sauce with authentic Mediterranean character.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for that salty, nutty richness that makes the dish feel like a treat.
- Baby Spinach: Added at the end to wilt gently, brightening the whole dish with color and nutrients.
Make It Your Way
I always enjoy mixing things up a little. The beauty of this Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is—you can tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs without losing that signature creamy Tuscan vibe.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap baby spinach for kale when I want a heartier bite, and it works great; just add it a bit earlier so it softens fully.
- Dairy-Free Option: I’ve experimented with coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan—it's a different but still tasty twist.
- Extra Veggies: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers gives the sauce even more depth and texture.
- Spice Level: Feel free to dial up the red pepper flakes if you like a bolder kick—I do, especially on chilly evenings.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker and Chicken
The first thing I do is give my slow cooker a good spray with nonstick cooking spray—trust me, it saves you from a sticky cleanup later. Then, I place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Evenly spacing them helps the sauce surround each piece, infusing flavor while they cook low and slow.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
I combine the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a bowl—whisking to break up any lumps so the sauce thickens nicely. Then, I stir in the minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and the mix of herbs and spices. This sauce is the magic in the dish, so don’t skip the seasoning!
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour that luscious sauce right over the chicken, cover the crock pot, and set it to cook either on high for 3 hours or low for 5. I usually prefer low to let the flavors really meld, but high works great when I'm short on time. Just check the chicken reaches 165°F internally so it’s safe and juicy.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Serve
Once the chicken’s cooked through, I stir the sauce gently to mix everything together, then toss in the chopped baby spinach. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until the spinach wilts. That last bit of freshness gives such a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Top Tip
After making this Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make a big difference. They help keep the chicken tender and the sauce perfectly creamy instead of watery or grainy.
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pound thicker breasts slightly so they cook evenly—no undercooked or dry spots.
- Whisk Your Sauce Well: Mix the cream, broth, and cornstarch until smooth before adding other ingredients to prevent lumps.
- Add Spinach Last: Toss it in only at the end to keep it bright and tender, not slimy.
- Check Temp Early: Start checking chicken’s internal temperature a bit before the cooking time ends to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves when I want something visually stunning and fragrant. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish nicely, especially if the sauce feels too rich.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with simple sides like garlic buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad for balance. I also love serving it over cauliflower rice if I’m keeping things low-carb.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the chicken on a platter with a drizzle of the sauce, scattered sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. I’ve found that serving it family-style really invites everyone to dig in and share the warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are fabulous! I store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish successfully by cooling it completely, then portioning into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the sauce might separate a bit, but a good stir and gentle reheating will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. Sometimes adding a splash of broth or cream refreshes the texture beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and even more flavorful when cooked in the creamy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since they may take a bit longer to cook thoroughly.
Yes, this Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is low in carbs, especially when served without pasta or rice. The ingredients like heavy cream, chicken, spinach, and sundried tomatoes keep it flavorful without adding many carbs.
You can! Use the sauté function to brown the garlic and briefly cook the sauce ingredients, then add the chicken and pressure cook for about 10 minutes with quick release. Keep in mind the sauce may need thickening afterward, so stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water if necessary.
For a lighter version, you can try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to maintain thickness, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Dairy-free options include coconut cream, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s become my go-to when I want something impressive-looking yet effortless. I hope you’ll find the same joy in making and sharing it as I do. Give it a try this week, and I promise you’ll be amazed at what a slow cooker can do for a simple chicken breast!
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Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken 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 delicious, easy-to-make slow cooker recipe featuring boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with parmesan cheese and baby spinach. This fuss-free dish requires minimal prep and makes a perfect low-carb, high-protein meal served over pasta, rice, or potatoes.
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
Vegetables
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or line it with a crockpot liner to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken: Add the 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cook the chicken: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Wilt the spinach: Once the chicken is cooked, stir the sauce gently and add the chopped baby spinach. Allow cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or serving guests with minimal preparation required.
- For thicker chicken breasts, add additional cooking time to ensure doneness.
- Use a crockpot liner for easier cleanup or spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Serve with your favorite side such as garlic mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 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: 120 mg
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