Let me introduce you to a dish that’s about to become your new best friend in the kitchen: **Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken**. This recipe combines succulent chicken with rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Gourmet: Savory, restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle of complex cooking techniques.
- Versatile: Perfect as a standalone dish or served with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Comforting and Creamy: The alfredo sauce envelops the chicken in a rich, creamy embrace that feels like a warm hug.
- Prep and Forget: Let your slow cooker do the work while you focus on other things or relax.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is all about maximizing flavor with simple ingredients. Each component brings its own special magic, from the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes to the earthy goodness of fresh spinach.
- Butter: A splash of butter helps the chicken brown beautifully, adding depth to the flavor palette.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, for easy, fuss-free preparation—perfect for flaky, tender bites.
- Alfredo Sauce: Look for a roasted garlic version for an extra punch of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These pack a sweet-tart punch, boosting the dish’s visual appeal and taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key for adding richness and a delightful cheesy finish.
- Italian Seasoning: A herb blend that infuses the dish with aromatic, Tuscan-style goodness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch to introduce a subtle heat that contrasts well with the creamy sauce.
- Baby Spinach: Stirred in for a fresh fillip of color and nutrition that balances the richness.
Variations
Feel free to make this **Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken** your own. It’s so easy to tailor, whether you’re focusing on personal dietary needs or just want a change of pace.
- Add Mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms for an earthy addition that complements the creamy flavors perfectly.
- Use Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a slightly firmer texture and a bit more bite.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your Alfredo sauce and Parmesan are gluten-free varieties to enjoy this meal worry-free.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a nonstick pan. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot pan until both sides are beautifully browned. This step adds a golden crust and locks in the juices.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned chicken into your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour this luscious mixture over the arranged chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 3: Cook and Finish
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. Just before serving, open the lid and stir in the baby spinach, letting it wilt in the residual heat for about 5 minutes. Then serve up your creamy Tuscan masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Golden Searing: Ensure the chicken is seared to a beautiful golden brown for the best flavor development.
- Sauce Selection: Opt for high-quality Alfredo with fewer preservatives for a fresher taste.
- Layering Technique: Pouring the sauce over the chicken ensures evenly distributed flavors.
- Wilting Spinach: Add spinach right before serving to keep it luscious and green.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Garnishes
Enhance the dish’s appeal with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a scatter of fresh basil leaves. Both add a burst of additional flavor and make it feel just a bit more special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, a light green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delectable sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dish family-style in a beautiful ceramic dish with a side bowl of pasta, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy the comforting flavors together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for easy, satisfying lunches.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to two months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your **Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken** slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. This helps maintain the sauce’s lovely creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may cook faster.
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What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! You can use roasted red peppers as a substitute, which will still give you that nice tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
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Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-thawed and squeezed of excess moisture before adding it to avoid watering down the sauce.
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Can I cook this on high for a shorter time?
You can, but for the richest flavors and tender chicken, cooking on low is recommended. If you’re short on time, 1.5 to 2 hours on high should suffice.
Final Thoughts
This **Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken** is a breeze to whip up and a joy to eat, embodying comforting, aromatic flavors with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand why it’s a staple in my home. Enjoy the culinary journey!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy 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-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory Alfredo and sun-dried tomato sauce, infused with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a boost of fresh spinach for a delicious, creamy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce with roasted garlic
- 2 (3-ounce) packages slivered sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Vegetables
- 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Melt butter in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until smooth.
- Cook the chicken in the slow cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add spinach: Open the lid, stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves, then cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with the creamy sauce and spinach. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Tuscan chicken.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water and cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
