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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A cozy, creamy Tuscan chicken pasta made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for lazy weeknights and packed with rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) fresh baby spinach
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown slightly if you choose to sear (optional but recommended). Place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
  3. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Cover with the lid.
  4. Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  5. About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  6. Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir gently to combine with the sauce.
  7. Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt quickly in the warm sauce.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and mix thoroughly so every piece is coated in the creamy Tuscan sauce.
  9. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
  10. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and color. Use fresh garlic for best taste. Soak dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes before chopping. Cook pasta al dente separately to avoid mushiness. Add spinach at the end for freshness. For thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch dissolved in cold water during last 20 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, crockpot dinner, easy weeknight meal, slow cooker pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, comfort food

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-crockpot-dinner-for-lazy-weeknights/