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Tuscan Chicken Alfredo

Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Alfredo Chicken: An Easy One-Pan Dinner

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful Tuscan Alfredo Chicken. This dish takes the vibrant tastes of Tuscany – sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach – and combines them with succulent chicken in a luscious garlic Alfredo sauce. Best of all, it’s designed for your slow cooker, making it a truly effortless “one-pan” (or one-pot, given the slow cooker) dinner that feels gourmet but requires minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you crave comforting Italian-inspired cuisine, this recipe promises to be a family favorite.

Creamy Tuscan Alfredo Chicken with penne pasta and fresh spinach





5 from 1 vote

Tuscan Alfredo Chicken

By: Julia Pacheco
This Tuscan Alfredo Chicken is rich, creamy, and full of bold Italian flavor. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a garlicky Alfredo sauce, it’s a one-pan dinner that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 6 hours
Total: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 2 medium chicken breasts
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, for the end
  • 1 lb penne pasta

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 – 15 oz jars alfredo sauce
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 dash crushed red pepper flakes, optional for a subtle kick
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Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce jars, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and the sauce is uniform.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared Tuscan Alfredo sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and cooked through.
  • About 15-20 minutes before the slow cooker chicken is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the fresh spinach to the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to combine, then replace the lid and allow the spinach to wilt down. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, with the residual heat of the slow cooker doing the work.
  • Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken and sauce generously over a bed of the hot, drained penne noodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this comforting meal!

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Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 288mg | Potassium: 658mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1810IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Tuscan Alfredo Chicken

This Tuscan Alfredo Chicken recipe isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and maximum flavor. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your household:

  • Effortless Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy schedules. Simply combine ingredients and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.
  • Rich & Creamy Flavor: The combination of garlicky Alfredo sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory Italian seasoning creates an incredibly satisfying and well-rounded flavor profile.
  • Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken breasts become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
  • Nutrient-Packed: Fresh spinach adds a boost of vitamins and a lovely pop of color, making it a more wholesome meal.
  • Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize it with different pasta, vegetables, or even a sprinkle of bacon for extra indulgence.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Since most of the cooking happens in one pot (your slow cooker), cleanup is a breeze!
  • Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy, thanks to its creamy texture and familiar flavors.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tuscan Alfredo Chicken

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can elevate your Tuscan Alfredo Chicken from great to extraordinary:

  • Chicken Selection: While chicken breasts work wonderfully, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and remain incredibly juicy during long slow-cooking times.
  • Enhance Flavor with Browning (Optional): For an even deeper flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step develops a delicious crust and adds another layer of savoriness.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil often yields a richer flavor than dry-packed ones. Make sure to drain them well and chop them to distribute their intense flavor throughout the sauce. You can even reserve a tablespoon of the oil for a slight flavor boost if you wish, though it’s not strictly necessary.
  • Alfredo Sauce Quality: While jarred Alfredo sauce is a time-saver, choose a good quality brand for the best results. The base flavor of your sauce significantly impacts the final dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta just until al dente. It will absorb some of the sauce when served, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
  • Wilt Spinach Gently: Adding the spinach at the very end and letting it wilt with the lid on ensures it retains its vibrant color and nutrients without becoming overcooked and mushy.
  • Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce after the chicken is shredded and spinach has wilted. Adjust salt, pepper, or add more Italian seasoning or a pinch of garlic powder if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tuscan Delight

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Alfredo Chicken is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to complete your dinner:

  • Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Fresh Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
  • Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: These vegetables complement the Italian flavors without overpowering the main dish.
  • Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini can add more depth and nutrients.

Variations and Substitutions

Feeling creative? This Tuscan Alfredo Chicken recipe is quite flexible and can be adapted to your preferences or what you have on hand:

  • Different Proteins: Instead of chicken breasts, you could use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even turkey breast for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider adding cannellini beans or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Pasta Alternatives: While penne is excellent, fettuccine, rotini, farfalle, or even linguine would work well. For a lower-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Add More Vegetables: Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or artichoke hearts could be added to the slow cooker along with the chicken for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Spice It Up: If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Herb Boost: Fresh basil or oregano, chopped and stirred in at the end, can add an aromatic freshness.
  • Creamier Sauce: For an even richer sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or just before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of this Tuscan Alfredo Chicken are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day!

  • Storage: Store any leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If reheating on the stovetop, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.
  • Freezing: While the chicken and sauce freeze well, cooked pasta can sometimes become a bit soft or mushy after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then cook fresh pasta when ready to serve. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Alfredo Chicken offers a delightful escape to the flavors of Italy with minimal effort. It’s a complete meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table, proving that gourmet taste can be achieved even on the busiest of days. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this timeless classic!