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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 8 ounces penne pasta These main ingredients create a rich and creamy meal. The chicken breasts give the dish a hearty base. Diced tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color. Heavy cream and cream cheese deliver the creaminess we all love. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and tasty. Fresh spinach brightens the dish and adds nutrients. Penne pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite delightful. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Seasonings bring life to the dish. Garlic powder adds warmth, while Italian seasoning gives it that classic taste. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. For a finishing touch, grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty bite. Fresh basil leaves not only look pretty, but they also provide a fresh flavor that ties everything together. - Slow cooker - Cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons - Forks for shredding chicken Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A slow cooker allows for hands-free cooking. A cutting board is essential for preparing your chicken and veggies. Measuring cups and spoons help you get the right amounts. Finally, forks are needed to shred the chicken, making it easy to mix into your pasta. With these ingredients and tools, you are set for a creamy, dreamy pasta experience! - Place chicken breasts in slow cooker. - Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. I like to use fresh chicken breasts for the best taste. Make sure to coat them well with the seasonings. This step adds great flavor right from the start. The slow cooker helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. - Pour diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream over chicken. - Spread cream cheese on top. The diced tomatoes bring a nice tang to the dish. They mix well with the broth and cream. This creates a rich sauce that will coat the pasta later. The cream cheese adds a velvety touch that makes each bite delightful. - Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. - Shred chicken 30 minutes before serving. - Stir in spinach and penne pasta. - Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Cooking on low helps the flavors blend together. I recommend checking the chicken at around four hours. Once it's tender, shred it using two forks. This makes it easier to mix in with the pasta and greens. Stir in the spinach and penne pasta for the final cook. If your sauce seems thick, just add a bit more broth. This dish is so flexible, and you can adjust it to your taste! To make your dish super creamy, adjust the amounts of heavy cream and cream cheese. You can add more cream if you want a richer taste. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use less. Cooking the dish on low heat helps the cream blend well. For a smooth texture, stir the sauce well before serving. Using good chicken broth is key. It adds depth to the sauce. If you have homemade broth, use that! Store-bought works fine too, just check the salt level. If the broth is salty, cut back on added salt in the recipe. Boost the flavor by adding more Italian herbs or spices. Dried oregano, thyme, or a dash of red pepper flakes can make it pop! Don't hesitate to switch up ingredients too. For example, swap out cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a different taste. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes for added richness. Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe. If the sauce is too thick after cooking, you can fix it! Just stir in a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up. This keeps the dish creamy and easy to serve. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for turkey. Turkey gives a nice, lean flavor. You can also use pork. Pork adds a rich taste and works well with the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas. They add protein and soak up the sauce flavor well. This option is filling and good for meatless meals. If you want to try a different pasta, there are many options. Bowtie or fusilli pasta works great in this dish. They hold the sauce nicely. You can also use gluten-free pasta. Look for types made from rice or chickpeas. These options keep the meal safe for those with gluten issues. Just ensure to follow cooking times on the package. Adding seasonal veggies can change the dish. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Zucchini brings a nice texture and freshness. You can also add more greens like kale. Kale adds a hearty touch and boosts nutrition. These veggies not only taste great but make the dish look vibrant too. To keep your Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta fresh, cool it down first. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, place it in a container. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. When reheating, the microwave or stovetop will work well. For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to avoid hot spots. On the stovetop, use low heat and add a splash of chicken broth. This helps keep the dish creamy. Stir often to blend everything well. You can freeze your leftovers for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label them with the date. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. For quick defrosting, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Yes, you can! If you want a lighter dish, use milk or yogurt instead of cream. This change will make the dish less rich, but it will still taste great. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just remember, these swaps will change the taste and texture a bit. Pasta usually cooks in about 30 minutes in the slow cooker. If you use penne, this timing is perfect. For other types like spaghetti, check for doneness around the same time. If the pasta seems hard, let it cook a bit longer. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for dipping - A fresh salad with vinaigrette - Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans - Roasted asparagus for a tasty crunch These sides enhance the meal and add color to your plate. Enjoy! In this post, we explored how to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips to enhance flavor. You learned about variations, storage, and frequently asked questions to answer common concerns. I hope this guide inspires you to create this dish easily. It’s simple, creamy, and full of flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Savor the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and wholesome pasta all in one pot. Just set it and forget it! In under 5 hours, you'll have a comforting meal ready to impress your family or guests. Click to explore this delightful recipe and make dinnertime special today!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup spinach, chopped

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces penne pasta

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

    Pour the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream over the chicken. Spread the cream cheese on top.

      Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

        About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.

          Stir in the chopped spinach and uncooked penne pasta. Add a little more chicken broth if the mixture is too thick.

            Continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

              Stir everything together, and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

                Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6