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To make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, fresh - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 12 ounces penne pasta - Salt and black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich and flavorful dish. The chicken cooks tender while the tomatoes and spinach add freshness. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Replace chicken breasts with thighs for more flavor. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. - Swap fresh spinach with kale or arugula if you prefer. - Low-fat cream can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish. - For pasta, you can use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta type. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your pantry or dietary needs. To make this recipe fit specific diets, consider these options: - Gluten-free: Use gluten-free penne pasta. Check all labels for hidden gluten. - Low-carb: Substitute penne pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This keeps it low in carbs while still being filling. - Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese. These modifications help everyone enjoy this delicious meal. First, gather your ingredients. You need four boneless chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and some spices. Start by placing the chicken in the slow cooker. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick! Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Spread the diced onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Then, halve the cherry tomatoes and pour them on top. Finally, add the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is covered. Now, it's time to cook! Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. After a few hours, your kitchen will smell amazing! About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh spinach and heavy cream. The spinach will wilt nicely in the warm sauce. Stir it all together, letting those flavors meld. While the chicken cooks, you can prepare the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain it and set aside. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken well with the sauce. Then, stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your Tuscan chicken pasta hot. Top it with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finish. Enjoy this easy and tasty family meal! To get the best flavor in your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta, use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach, ripe cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic will boost the taste. Always season your chicken well with salt and pepper. This step enhances the overall flavor. Don't skip the Italian seasoning; it adds a lovely herb mix. For extra depth, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This brightens every bite. A few mistakes can ruin your dish. First, avoid overcooking the chicken. It should be tender but not dry. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. Second, don’t forget to stir in the spinach and cream at the right time. Adding them too early can make them wilted and lose flavor. Finally, make sure the pasta is al dente. This keeps it firm and helps it soak up the sauce. Using the right tools can make cooking easier. Here are some must-haves for this dish: - Slow cooker - Sharp knife for chopping - Cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing spoon - Meat thermometer for checking chicken doneness These tools ensure smooth preparation and cooking. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it later. Put it in the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Use firm tofu and cube it. Add it at the start to soak up flavors. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and use more veggies. Try mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. They add great taste and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more spinach for color and nutrition. This keeps the creamy sauce rich and satisfying. You can adjust the spice level easily. For a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes. If you love heat, add more flakes or some diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage to add flavor. Adjust according to what you like best. After you enjoy your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta, store any leftovers right away. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the food fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze your pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Portion it into smaller servings. This way, you can defrost only what you need. It’s best to eat frozen pasta within three months. To freeze, leave out the fresh basil and cheese. Add them later when you reheat. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. For stovetop, add a splash of water or broth. Heat over low until warm. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Enjoy your meal again just as much as the first time! Yes, you can make Tuscan chicken pasta without a slow cooker. Use a large pot instead. Start by sautéing the chicken in some oil until it's golden. Then, add the onion and garlic. Cook them for a few minutes until soft. Next, add the broth and tomatoes. Simmer the mix for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Stir in the spinach and cream, then mix in the cooked pasta. This method saves time, and the chicken stays tender. In a slow cooker, your Tuscan chicken pasta takes about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The longer cooking time helps the flavors blend well. You want the chicken to be tender and easy to shred. If you are in a hurry, the high setting works great, too. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Tuscan chicken pasta pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. You might also try steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. For a light touch, serve with a glass of white wine. These sides make your meal feel special and complete. This blog post covers key points for making Tuscan Chicken Pasta. We listed all the ingredients and offered substitutions for dietary needs. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving. We shared tips for great flavor and common mistakes to avoid. Now, you can explore variations to suit your taste. Don't forget proper storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy cooking, and remember, great meals bring joy to everyone!

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta that transforms your weeknight meals! With tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach simmered in a creamy sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and comfort. In just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it! Click through for the full recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach, fresh

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup heavy cream

12 ounces penne pasta

Salt and black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.

    Add the diced onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.

      Pour the cherry tomatoes and chicken broth over the top, ensuring the chicken is submerged.

        Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

          About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream.

            Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

              Once the chicken is done, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it well with the sauce.

                Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it's well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

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

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6