Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A cozy, creamy slow cooker Tuscan chicken pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a smooth cottage cheese sauce for an easy and comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (slow cooker low) or 2.5 to 3 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker low) or 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (about 60 grams)
- 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- Olive oil (optional, for sautéing garlic)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Place in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Scatter sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Transfer cooked chicken and juices to a blender. Add cottage cheese, Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour in creamy sauce and stir in fresh baby spinach. Let spinach wilt for 5 minutes.
- Add drained pasta to the slow cooker and gently toss to coat and heat through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Blend cottage cheese for a smooth sauce texture. Add broth or pasta water if sauce is too thick. Avoid overcooking pasta; it finishes cooking in the sauce. Chicken thighs can be used with adjusted cooking time. For dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with coconut yogurt and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
Keywords: slow cooker, Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, chicken pasta, cottage cheese sauce