Slow Cooker Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are bathed in a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce, infused with Parmesan cheese and punctuated by the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This hearty dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and satisfying, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
The first time I made this, I was amazed at how effortlessly the slow cooker worked its magic, melding all the flavors together into a symphony of creamy goodness. It’s one of those meals that fills your home with the most mouthwatering aroma, building anticipation with every passing hour. The best part? It’s a breeze to throw together—simply toss in your ingredients, let the slow cooker do its thing, and come back to a dinner that’s ready to impress. Pair it with some crusty bread or a side of pasta, and you’ve got a dish that feels restaurant-worthy without any of the fuss.
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Comfort food cravings
- Chicken lovers
- Busy cooks
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Slow Cooker Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken will become your new favorite go-to dish:
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The blend of creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach is the ultimate flavor harmony.
- Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly juicy and tender.
- Easy to Make: Simply set it in the slow cooker, and dinner takes care of itself.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup, as everything cooks in the slow cooker.
- Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for a cozy, satisfying dinner that fills you up without being too heavy.
- Great for Meal Prep: The dish stores well and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce is mild and appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Low Maintenance: Set it and forget it—no need to monitor the cooking process.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Make it for a casual dinner with friends or family and impress everyone with minimal effort.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 6 hours (including cooking time)
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours on low
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 7g, Fat: 27g
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, savory taste that enriches the sauce.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a velvety, smooth sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cook the Chicken:
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Finish the Dish:
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken:
- With Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a hearty meal.
- With Rice: Pair with white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- With Garlic Bread: Enjoy with crusty garlic bread to dip into the sauce.
- On a Bed of Spinach: Serve over a bed of fresh spinach for a low-carb option.
- As a Wrap: Use the chicken mixture to make wraps with tortillas for an easy lunch.
- On a Salad: Add to a bed of greens for a light but filling salad.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers for a colorful meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce complements mashed potatoes beautifully.
- For Meal Prep: Divide into portions and store in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
- As a Snack: Serve with crackers for a tasty snack or appetizer.
Additional Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor and tenderness, use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. The bones add richness to the sauce while keeping the chicken moist.
- Sear the Chicken First: Searing the chicken in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker helps lock in flavor and creates a deeper, savory taste in the dish.
- Add Fresh Spinach at the End: Add the spinach towards the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
- Opt for Heavy Cream: For the creamiest sauce, opt for heavy cream instead of milk or half-and-half. It will result in a richer, more velvety consistency.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds more depth and flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Customize with Herbs: Add fresh basil or thyme for an extra layer of herbal freshness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For an additional burst of flavor, stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach.
- Use a Slow Cooker Liner: To make cleanup easier, use a slow cooker liner. This prevents food from sticking to the sides and simplifies the washing process.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a slight kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce, balancing the richness with a touch of spice.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Serve the creamy chicken over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Serve the dish over gluten-free pasta or rice to keep it gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Add Pesto: Stir in a tablespoon of pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
- Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken and non-dairy cream for a vegan twist.
- Add Beef Bacon: Crisp up some beef bacon and sprinkle it over the finished dish for extra flavor and crunch.
Special Equipment
- Slow Cooker: The key to tender, juicy chicken and a flavorful sauce.
- Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
- Forks: To shred the chicken after cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Tongs: To easily stir and serve the chicken.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the dish?
Yes, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. - What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream. - Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
Yes, cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. - How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce and check the internal temperature to prevent overcooking. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to cook it in two separate slow cookers or adjust the cooking time slightly. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for more variety. - How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, or stir in some diced jalapeños for extra heat. - Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but the sun-dried tomatoes add a rich depth of flavor, so consider substituting with something else like roasted red peppers.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from Parmesan cheese, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and heavy cream. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors while staying juicy and tender.
The sun-dried tomatoes and spinach give the dish a Mediterranean flair, and the creamy Parmesan sauce is irresistible. You can serve this dish over pasta, rice, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner.
I can’t wait to see how your Slow Cooker Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!