This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of these links. Thank you for your support! Read full disclosure.
This Crockpot Tuscan Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is an easy, comforting dinner that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant but requires very little hands-on work.
Tender chicken cooks in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs for a meal packed with flavor.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, especially served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1
- 2–1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with the garlic powder, black pepper, and about 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Add the chicken to the crockpot. Lightly coat the bottom of the crockpot with the olive oil. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer.
3. Add the seasonings. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried basil, and oregano over the chicken.
4. Add the sun-dried tomatoes. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, chop them into bite-size pieces, and scatter them over and around the chicken.
5. Add the broth. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken. Try to pour it along the sides rather than directly over the chicken so you don’t wash off all the seasonings.
6. Slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. Chicken breasts can dry out in a slow cooker, so I wouldn’t cook these all day if you can avoid it.
7. Remove the chicken. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with foil while you finish the sauce.
8. Make the creamy sauce. Turn the crockpot to HIGH. Stir the heavy cream into the liquid and sun-dried tomatoes in the crockpot. Gradually stir in the Parmesan until melted and incorporated. Cover and let the sauce heat for about 10–15 minutes.
9. Add the spinach. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 5–10 minutes, just until wilted. Taste the sauce and add additional salt or pepper if needed.
10. Finish the chicken. Return the chicken breasts to the crockpot and spoon plenty of the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the tops. Let them sit in the sauce for about 5 minutes before serving.
11. Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Spoon plenty of the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes over each chicken breast.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay especially tender in the crockpot.
- Half-and-half: Swap for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, although it won’t be quite as rich.
- Add mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy Tuscan flavors.
- Add some heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- More veggies: Add artichoke hearts or extra spinach.
- Different cheese: Try Romano or Asiago along with the Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken
Use chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Add the cream and Parmesan near the end of cooking for the smoothest sauce, and use freshly grated Parmesan when possible.
Add the spinach last so it wilts without becoming overcooked.
What to Serve With Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Pasta is one of the best choices because it soaks up all that creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni all work well.
You can also serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, white rice, roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or crusty garlic bread.
Serving With Pasta
Cook your favorite pasta until al dente and toss it with a few spoonfuls of sauce from the crockpot. Add the chicken and spoon more creamy sauce, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes over the top. Finish with Parmesan or fresh parsley.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of cream or chicken broth.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce, but cream sauces can change texture slightly after thawing. Freeze in an airtight container, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat slowly. Adding a splash of fresh cream while reheating can help smooth out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and work especially well in the slow cooker.
Can I leave out the spinach?
Absolutely. You can leave it out or replace it with another vegetable you enjoy.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Slow cookers hold in moisture. Remove the lid and let the sauce cook on HIGH for a little longer to help it thicken.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best. Drain them well before adding them to the crockpot.
What pasta is best with Tuscan chicken?
Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, and linguine are all great choices for catching the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes
For a rich, flavorful meal that’s both easy and indulgent, this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes is just what you need. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy garlic sauce infused with the tangy sweetness of sundried tomatoes and the fresh taste of spinach. It’s the perfect combination of comforting and gourmet, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Grease the inside of your crockpot with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Layer the Chicken and Garlic: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken.
- Add Sundried Tomatoes and Sauce: Spread the chopped sundried tomatoes over the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and chicken broth, then pour the mixture over the chicken and sundried tomatoes.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt and the Parmesan will thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve: Once done, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the creamy garlic chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes with the spinach and sundried tomato sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for a family meal or meal prepping.
For a richer flavor, you can add 1/4 cup white wine to the cream sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 262Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 321mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 22g
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes is a luxurious yet easy dinner option, perfect for when you want something hearty and flavorful without the hassle.
Serving 4 people, this dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce with tangy sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach for a pop of color and flavor.
Pair this dish with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The combination of garlic, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s both creamy and bursting with flavor, while the spinach adds a fresh, healthy touch. It’s a simple, elegant dish that’s sure to impress!