Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Rich and creamy chicken dish featuring tender breasts simmered in garlic Alfredo sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests who crave restaurant-quality Italian flavors without the fuss. The slow cooking method ensures incredibly tender chicken while the combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and mild spinach creates a well-balanced, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt
- pepper
- 2 15-ounce jars Alfredo sauce with roasted garlic
- 2 3-ounce packages slivered sun-dried tomatoes, NOT in oilcherry tomatoes1 package = 1 cup halvedfreshbudget-friendly
halve fresh tomatoes
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 5-ounce bag baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in nonstick pan over medium-high heat
- 2
Season chicken with salt and pepper
- 3
Brown chicken on both sides in the pan
- 4
Transfer chicken to greased slow cooker
- 5
Mix alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in medium bowl
- 6
Pour sauce mixture over chicken in slow cooker
- 7
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours
- 8
Stir in spinach leaves
- 9
Cover and cook 5 more minutes
- 10
Serve immediately
Tips
Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning and flavor development
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting into the sauce
Add spinach gradually if using a smaller slow cooker to prevent overflow
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
can prep ingredients 1 day ahead, store separately
over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread
Common Mistakes
don't skip browning chicken to avoid bland flavor
don't use sun-dried tomatoes in oil to prevent greasy sauce
don't overcook spinach to avoid mushy texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Thaw completely first. Frozen chicken won't brown properly and may result in uneven cooking and food safety concerns.
What if my sauce seems too thick?
Add 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine to thin. The sauce naturally thickens during slow cooking.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.