Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, savory dish that practically cooks itself. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe delivers that creamy, garlicky, tangy flavor combo with zero stress, making dinner an absolute breeze any day of the week.

A white plate with ridged edges holds a nest of light yellow spaghetti noodles as the bottom layer. On top of the noodles sits a thick piece of light brown chicken covered with a creamy, pale beige sauce that has visible small bits of herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce is sprinkled with chopped green parsley and finely grated white cheese. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of cheese visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of this recipe. It’s one of those dishes I return to when I want flavorful comfort food without standing over the stove for hours. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and the result? Tender chicken bathed in a dreamy, flavorful sauce that feels fancy but is totally hassle-free.

Easy prep: Just ten minutes to get everything in the slow cooker, then forget about it until dinner time.
Rich, creamy sauce: The blend of heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes makes the sauce silky and bursting with flavor.
Versatile and hearty: Serve it over rice, pasta, or potatoes to suit your mood or pantry.
Perfectly portioned: Four generous servings that satisfy hungry eaters or feed a small family.

The image shows a white plate with three pieces of light brown cooked chicken covered in a thick cream sauce. The sauce is pale beige with visible small dark specks and contains chopped green spinach and small pieces of orange sun-dried tomatoes scattered throughout. The chicken is arranged to fill most of the plate and is surrounded by the creamy sauce that partially covers it. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of finely grated pale yellow cheese and a small white bowl of chopped green herbs nearby. A white cloth with red stripes is also seen next to the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe blends simple, fresh ingredients that have just the right balance—creamy, tangy, and a little savory punch. Each element adds depth while keeping the prep fuss-free.

Flat lay of four large boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small pile of dried Italian seasoning herbs, a small mound of kosher salt, black peppercorns, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small heap of cornstarch powder, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped sundried tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl of chopped baby spinach, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and perfect for slow cooking—they absorb the sauce beautifully without drying out.
Italian seasoning: A great herb blend that layers in classic Italian flavors effortlessly.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Basic but essential—seasoning that brings everything together.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness without chopping fresh onions.
Paprika: Just a hint of smoky warmth.
Red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick that wakes up the taste buds.
Heavy whipping cream: The foundation of the rich, creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: Lightens the cream a bit and adds savory depth.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it coats the chicken perfectly.
Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here—aroma and flavor gold.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet complexity that elevates the dish.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Gives that nutty, salty punch that makes this sauce irresistible.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a vibrant pop of color, plus nutrients.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Once you’ve made it a couple of times, you can start personalizing it to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing any of the deliciousness.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the chicken breasts for thighs—they stay even juicier and soak up the sauce wonderfully. Plus, it’s a little more budget-friendly.
For a dairy-free twist: Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the parmesan—though it’s a bit less traditional, it’s still super tasty!
Add veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for an extra flavor dimension and nutrition boost.
Spice it up: If you like bold heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken

First, spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or line it with a crockpot liner to make clean-up easier. Next, lay the chicken breasts right in the pot. I like to pat the chicken dry before adding it to ensure the sauce clings well later on.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. This combination packs all those hearty, savory Italian flavors into one luscious sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Cook Low and Slow

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, then pop the lid on. Cook on high for about 3 hours or low for 5 hours—whichever fits your schedule. The chicken’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Since chicken thickness varies, use a meat thermometer if you can—it takes the guesswork out.

Step 4: Add Fresh Spinach and Finish

When your chicken’s cooked to perfection, give the sauce a good stir to integrate those flavorful bits. Then, stir in the chopped baby spinach and let it cook for another 10 minutes until the greens are just wilted. This last step adds freshness and balances the richness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything’s ready, serve your creamy Tuscan chicken over pasta, fluffy rice, or buttery mashed potatoes. I’ve even spooned it over roasted cauliflower rice when I’m keeping it lower carb. Either way, this dish feels like a celebration in every bite.

Top Tip

After cooking this dish a bunch of times, I realized a few small tweaks make a huge difference in flavor and texture. These tips will help you nail the recipe and impress everyone.

Use a thermometer: Don’t guess the chicken’s doneness—165°F inside means juicy, tender meat without drying out.
Don’t skip sautéing garlic: While this recipe uses raw garlic, if you have a moment, lightly cooking the garlic beforehand can mellow the bite and deepen flavor.
Let it rest: Once cooked, letting the chicken sit in the sauce off heat for 10 minutes lets the flavors marry even more.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste the sauce before serving and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed—slow cooker flavors develop gradually.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Personally, I love a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. It adds a bright herbal note that cuts through the creamy sauce’s richness. A few extra shavings of parmesan cheese never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

I usually serve this chicken with creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, or simple buttered pasta to soak up all that sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad balance the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, try serving your creamy Tuscan chicken in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of pine nuts on top for crunch. Or layer sliced chicken over spiralized zucchini noodles for a stunning gluten-free presentation that wows any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find this dish reheats beautifully. Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making next-day dinners just as delicious.

Freezing

Freeze any leftovers in portioned containers for up to 2 months. When thawed and reheated, the creamy sauce remains luscious, though I recommend gently reheating on low to avoid curdling.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through—this helps keep the sauce smooth and avoids drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

You can, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can result in uneven texture and potential food safety issues. For the best results, defrost overnight in the fridge before starting.

Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially if you serve it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies instead of pasta or potatoes. The creamy sauce fits well within a keto diet due to its high-fat content.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can use cherry tomatoes fresh or roasted for a milder, sweeter flavor. Roasted red peppers can also add a nice smoky sweetness, though the overall taste will differ slightly.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can quickly make this dish in an Instant Pot by sautéing the chicken first, then adding the sauce ingredients and cooking on high pressure for about 8 minutes. Use the sauté function at the end to wilt the spinach. This cuts the cooking time dramatically but keep an eye on thickness of the sauce, adding broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s comforting, flavorful, and effortless. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or want a meal that impresses with minimal fuss, this dish has you covered. I promise once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this rich, cozy favorite—just like I do!