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Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a comforting and rich dish featuring tender penne pasta cooked in a luscious blend of heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, it offers a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Liquids

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Seasonings and Cheese

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine Liquids and Seasonings: In the slow cooker, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients well to create a flavorful base.
  2. Add Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta into the slow cooker. Stir again to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and fully submerged in the liquid mixture, which will allow even cooking.
  3. Cook Pasta: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally after 2 hours to ensure the pasta reaches the desired tenderness without overcooking.
  4. Add Spinach and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves to add a bright, herbal finish to the dish.

Notes

  • Use a slow cooker with a ceramic insert to prevent sticking or burning.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste; Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • If sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed, drain excess oil before adding.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on slow cooker model; start checking at 2 hours.
  • To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker Pasta, Tuscan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Easy Italian Recipe, Sun-dried Tomato Pasta, One Pot Meal

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/slow-cooker-creamy-tuscan-pasta-recipe/