Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
The ultimate comfort food, Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is creamy, savory, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With tender chicken bathed in a rich sauce made of Italian herbs and fresh veggies, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Make it tonight for a cozy and delicious meal!
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Chicken stock
- ¼ cup Sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces Cooked fettuccine pasta (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour
Instructions
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the Crockpot. Ensure they are not crowded, as this allows for even cooking.
- Next, sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper over the chicken. This step is crucial; these spices will penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock. Don’t be shy; this sauce is the key to the dish’s creaminess!
- Now add the sun-dried tomatoes. Their sweet and tangy flavor will brighten up the dish.
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. You're looking for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, take the lid off and stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Allow them to wilt for about 5 minutes. This will add a lovely color and nutrition to your dish.
- If you want to thicken the sauce, carefully remove the chicken from the Crockpot and set aside. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the sauce from the Crockpot and simmer until thickened. This is an optional but recommended step for an Alfredo-style sauce.
- If you’re serving with pasta, cook fettuccine according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve some of the pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Finally, toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, and add the chicken back in. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Notes
- Tip 1: For a deeper flavor, you can optionally sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side in a hot pan before adding them to the crockpot.
- Tip 2: Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken before serving. If it reads at least 165°F, the chicken is safe to eat!
- Tip 3: While thickening the sauce is an extra step, it really makes a difference. I highly recommend it!
- Tip 4: I usually toss this creamy Tuscan chicken and sauce with fettuccine, but it’s just as good with penne or even rice.
- Tip 5: The sauce is rich enough to coat any pasta beautifully.