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- Chicken - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Seasonings - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Vegetables - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - Pasta and Dairy Ingredients - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the dish rich and savory. The chicken adds protein, while the seasonings bring in Italian flavors. The vegetables keep the dish vibrant and healthy. The pasta and dairy create a creamy texture that makes this meal comforting. Remember, using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh basil and good Parmesan elevate the dish. When you combine these ingredients in the slow cooker, you create a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. Enjoy the process, and let each ingredient shine! Seasoning the Chicken Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle one teaspoon of Italian seasoning on the chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste. This simple step brings out the flavors. Adding Ingredients to Slow Cooker Next, add three minced garlic cloves. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes, including their juice. Then, add one cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This broth adds moisture and rich flavor. Cooking Time and Techniques Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for five to six hours. Check the chicken to ensure it’s tender and fully cooked. This slow cooking method helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Shredding the Cooked Chicken Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This adds a nice texture to the dish. Incorporating Sauce and Pasta Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Now, stir in one cup of heavy cream. Add one cup of roughly chopped baby spinach and half a cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Finally, mix in eight ounces of uncooked penne pasta. Make sure everything is well combined. Cooking on High Cover the slow cooker again. Set it to high and cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Check if the pasta is cooked al dente. Adjusting Seasonings Once the pasta is ready, mix in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. - Selecting the Right Cut For this recipe, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay tender. You can also use thighs if you want more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly. - Ensuring Moisture in Cooking Keep your chicken moist by adding broth and tomatoes. The slow cooker helps by trapping steam. Check the chicken towards the end to ensure it does not dry out. - Preventing Sticking To stop pasta from sticking, stir it well after adding. Use a bit of olive oil if needed. Make sure the pasta is submerged in sauce for even cooking. - Cooking Times for Al Dente Pasta Cook the pasta on high for 30-40 minutes. Check it at the 30-minute mark. You want it to be firm but not hard. - Garnishing Ideas Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish. Add extra grated Parmesan on top for a rich finish. You can also sprinkle some black pepper for added flavor. - Pairing Options Serve this pasta with a light salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine complements the dish well. Enjoy it with friends for a cozy meal! {{image_2}} If you want a change from chicken, you can use turkey or tofu. Turkey gives a similar taste, while tofu adds a plant-based option. Both can soak up the flavors well. For seafood lovers, shrimp works nicely too. Just add it later to avoid overcooking. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream. You can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This keeps the flavor rich and creamy without dairy. Adding fresh herbs can elevate your dish. Try using fresh basil, oregano, or parsley. These add bright flavors. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. This gives your pasta a little kick. While penne works great, feel free to switch to any pasta you love. Rotini or farfalle can add a fun twist. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can work too. Just adjust cooking times based on your choice. To keep your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down before packing. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps avoid bacteria growth. Your dish will stay good in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the leftovers. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label them with the date. Your pasta will last in the freezer for about three months. Just remember, pasta can get mushy when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is using the stove. Put the pasta in a pot with a splash of water or broth. Heat it on low, stirring often. This prevents sticking and keeps it moist. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little water, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Avoid overcooking, as this can ruin the texture. Heat just until warm, not boiling. Enjoy your delicious dish without losing its charm! Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker? Yes, you can! You can cook this dish on the stove. Use a large pot or skillet. Start by cooking the chicken over medium heat. After it’s tender, shred it. Then, add your other ingredients to the pot. Let it simmer until the pasta is cooked through. How long does this dish last in the fridge? This dish stays good for about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta? This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine. This balance makes for a delightful meal. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta. We looked at the main ingredients, preparation steps, cooking tips, and variations. Understanding these details will help you create this tasty dish every time. Remember to adjust the seasonings to match your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and serving styles. With practice, you'll master this recipe and impress your family or friends. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta that brings a taste of Italy to your table! This creamy dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach for a hearty meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, simply follow our easy steps and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl in no time. Click through to explore this recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

8 oz penne pasta

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth over the chicken.

      Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

        Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

          Stir in the heavy cream, chopped baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked penne pasta. Mix well to combine.

            Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

              Once the pasta is cooked, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

                Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in wide pasta bowls, and sprinkle extra Parmesan and a few basil leaves on top for an elegant finish.