Looking for a ridiculously easy, unbelievably delicious, and budget-friendly meal? You’ve found it! This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish that will make your weeknights a breeze.
This flavorful pasta combines tender pasta, juicy chicken (or your protein of choice!), spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Plus, using a slow cooker keeps the kitchen cool and saves you valuable time.
What is Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta?
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish where pasta is cooked in a slow cooker with chicken (or other protein), spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it achieves through slow cooking.
Ready to experience the magic? Gather your ingredients and let’s make some Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta:
- 1 pound Pasta of your choice: (Rotini, Penne, or Farfalle work well) – Use your favorite pasta shape. I prefer rotini to catch all the delicious sauce.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: (Can also use thighs) – Cut into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach: (Thawed and squeezed dry) – Make sure to squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery sauce.
- 1 (8-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil: (Drained) – Opt for the kind packed in oil for richer flavor. You can also use dried ones, but rehydrate them first in hot water.
- 4 cloves garlic: (Minced) – Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: (Dried) – Adds that classic Italian flavor. You can also use a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: (Or to taste) – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: (Or to taste) – Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: (Optional, for extra creaminess) – This adds a boost of creamy texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: (Low sodium preferred) – Provides the liquid needed for cooking the pasta and chicken.
- 1 cup heavy cream: – Essential for that luscious, creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: (Freshly grated) – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a salty, savory flavor.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh basil, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta:
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and effort. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! In just a few hours, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cook time is approximately 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. The result is a tender, flavorful pasta dish with a rich, creamy sauce that will satisfy the whole family
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, add the cut chicken, thawed and drained spinach, drained sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, condensed cream of chicken soup (if using), and chicken broth.
- Stir to Combine: Stir all the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings and broth.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta into the slow cooker. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and continue cooking on high until the pasta is tender, usually about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and add more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta:
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a winner for many reasons! First off, the creamy, flavorful sauce steals the show, delivering a rich and comforting experience with every bite. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Secondly, making this dish at home is a definite money-saver compared to ordering take-out or eating at a restaurant.
You can use affordable ingredients like chicken breasts and pasta, and the large batch is perfect for leftovers. Finally, the burst of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of the spinach make this pasta truly special. The optional addition of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick!
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. Both are easy to make, but the Slow Cooker version offers the added convenience of slow cooking. Give this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta a try – you won’t be disappointed!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta With:
To complete your meal, consider serving this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta with:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds some extra nutrients to your meal. These add some contrasting texture and lighten the palate.
- Crusty Bread: Some simple crusty bread is perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce left on the plate.
- Light White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it’s cooking in the slow cooker. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
- Adjust the Amount of Liquid: If the pasta is absorbing too much liquid, add a little more chicken broth. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to thicken.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Thaw and Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery sauce.
- Don’t add Cream too early: Be sure to only add cream to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of the cook so that it does not curdle.
- Ingredient substitutions : You can use turkey, ham, or even ground beef inside of chicken if that’s what you have handy. You can also sub for other leafy green veggies depending on preferences like kale or mustard greens.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta:
- Versatile Protein: You can easily swap chicken for sausage, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Great for Meal Prep: This pasta dish is perfect for meal prepping as it reheats beautifully.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months.
- One-Pot Wonder: It all cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize the flavor to your liking.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: To freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta recipe is a true winner, offering a harmonious blend of convenience, flavor, and affordability. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who loves delicious food without the fuss, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful ingredients, it’s a dish that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours of slaving away in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, farfalle, or any other short-cut pasta works well.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but if using frozen, add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: While you can, the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a richer flavor, I recommend using half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions. Add them along with the spinach.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta!