Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty pasta, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, allowing you to serve up a comforting meal with minimal effort. The combination of flavors makes it a standout choice, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The Alfredo sauce creates a luxurious coating over the chicken and pasta, elevating this dish to restaurant quality.
• Nutrient-Packed: Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add vitamins and antioxidants, making this meal both delicious and nutritious.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring your meal is ready when you are.
• Measuring cups: Help maintain accuracy in ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• salt and pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 jars (14.5 ounces each) creamy Alfredo sauce

For the Pasta

• 2 cups dry rigatoni pasta

For the Veggies

• 1 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil (drained)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (packed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Thickening

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure that your chicken breasts are trimmed of any excess fat. Measure out your chicken broth, spices, Alfredo sauce, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cornstarch, and water.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker:
1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom.
2. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
4. Add minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Pasta

Next:
1. Pour in both jars of creamy Alfredo sauce over the seasoned chicken.
2. Add 2 cups of dry rigatoni pasta on top without stirring.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover your slow cooker with its lid:
1. Cook on low heat for about 5 hours (300 minutes).
2. Stir occasionally if possible during cooking.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Thicken

About 30 minutes before serving:
1. Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach into the mixture.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth; then stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked through:
1. Check that the chicken is tender; shred it right inside the slow cooker if desired.
2. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker for a warm meal that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Serving Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta is simple yet delightful. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and there are several ways to enhance the dining experience.

For a Cozy Family Meal

• Serve with Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs wonderfully, allowing guests to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Accompany with Salad: A fresh green salad adds a crunchy contrast and balances the richness of the pasta.

For a Festive Occasion

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling fresh basil or parsley on top elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor.
• Add Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the creaminess and adds depth to each bite.

For a Quick Lunch

• Pack in Meal Prep Containers: This dish stores well, making it ideal for reheating during busy weekdays.
• Serve Cold as a Pasta Salad: Let it cool and enjoy as a refreshing pasta salad option.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta can elevate this already delicious meal even further.

• Bold Seasonings: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor profile.
• Creamy Consistency: Add extra Alfredo sauce if you prefer a creamier texture; adjust based on your preference.
• Cook Time Awareness: Monitor the cooking time; overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Aim for tenderness without losing moisture.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook pasta separately and stir it in just before serving to avoid mushiness.
• Flavor Depth: Sauté garlic before adding it to the slow cooker for an enhanced flavor that deepens the entire dish.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Control heat by modifying red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta can round out your meal beautifully. Consider these options:

1. Garlic Bread: Ideal for dipping in the creamy sauce, it’s a comforting classic.
2. Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the pasta’s richness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings freshness and balances out the hearty pasta.
5. Caprese Salad: A mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provides a light, refreshing side that complements Italian flavors well.
6. Herbed Quinoa: This protein-packed grain adds an earthy note and makes for an excellent healthier side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring seasoning – Failing to season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Overcooking the pasta – Adding pasta too early may result in mushiness. Include it in the last 30 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
• Using the wrong chicken – Opting for bone-in or skin-on chicken can alter cooking time and texture. Stick with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender dish.
• Neglecting the vegetables – Forgetting to add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can reduce flavor and nutrition. Add them as directed for a vibrant dish.
• Skipping the cornstarch mixture – Not thickening the sauce can lead to a watery meal. Use cornstarch mixed with water before serving to achieve creaminess.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes cooked together in a rich Alfredo sauce.

How do I customize Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or using different types of pasta such as penne or farfalle for variety.

Can I make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes meal prep easier!

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

This dish typically takes about 5 hours on low heat in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or preparing a family meal, this recipe allows room for customization based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!

---