Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta is not only delicious but incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you enjoy a creamy, flavorful pasta dish without constant monitoring. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese adds layers of flavor, while the creamy sauce makes every bite feel indulgent. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with very little prep time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

1. In the slow cooker, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir to combine. Ensure that the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.

3. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta reaches your desired texture.

4. Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt.

5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low

Variations

• Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for an extra protein boost.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety to accommodate dietary preferences.

• Vegan: Use a non-dairy cream and vegan Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version of this dish.

• Herb Variations: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to change up the flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili to give the dish a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How do I know when the pasta is done in the slow cooker?

The pasta should be tender and fully cooked after 2-3 hours on low. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli. Just make sure the pasta is uncooked when added to the slow cooker.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat when you're ready to serve.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.

Can I substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you want to make this dish vegetarian or simply prefer the flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of the cooking process to thicken the sauce.

Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, heavy whipping cream can be substituted for heavy cream, as they have similar fat content.

Can I freeze this dish?

While pasta dishes don’t always freeze well, you can freeze the sauce and pasta mixture without the spinach. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and cook fresh spinach before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?

This creamy Tuscan pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta is the ultimate in comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is incredibly easy to make while delivering impressive results. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can spend more time relaxing or preparing a special treat for a loved one. Whether you're enjoying it on a regular night or for a romantic occasion, this creamy pasta is bound to become a favorite in your household!

Print

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low
• Total Time: 2-3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In the slow cooker, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir to combine. Ensure that the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta reaches your desired texture.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat by adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
• Frozen spinach can be used, just thaw and drain before adding to the slow cooker.
• For a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg