Dinner · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Creamy Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 4
Create a restaurant-quality meal at home with this Crockpot sun-dried tomato chicken.
This simple dump-and-go recipe combines tender poultry with a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce that will impress everyone at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights when flavor is essential but time is short.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor developed through slow cooking. By combining high-quality ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh garlic, and heavy cream in a slow cooker, the chicken absorbs all the savory notes of the sauce.
It is a foolproof method for achieving perfectly tender shredded chicken that feels indulgent and comforting, making it a staple for any home cook looking to elevate their dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Main
- 4 breasts chicken breasts, raw
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Finish
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Serving
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, for serving
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, to taste
Why this recipe works
Slow cooking chicken breasts in a concentrated cream and tomato base allows the proteins to remain succulent while the sauce thickens and intensifies. The low heat ensures the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes infuse the cream with a rich, savory profile that coats the pasta perfectly.
This method relies on the steady, gentle heat of the crockpot to break down the chicken fibers without drying them out.
The addition of parmesan at the end acts as a natural emulsifier, creating a velvety texture that clings to the pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Notes and substitutions
Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor, as the oil adds a subtle depth to the sauce. If using dry-packed tomatoes, ensure they are rehydrated in warm water before adding them to the crockpot to maintain the desired texture.
A 6-quart oval crockpot provides the ideal surface area for four chicken breasts to cook evenly.
If using a smaller slow cooker, ensure the chicken is not crowded to allow for consistent heat circulation. Fresh parmesan is recommended over pre-grated varieties for a smoother, better-melting sauce.
- Heavy cream: Half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be slightly less velvety.
- Rigatoni: Penne or fusilli pasta work equally well to hold the creamy sauce.
Equipment
- 6-quart oval ceramic Crockpot
- stainless steel forks
- large pot for pasta
- colander
- chef knife
Up next · Part 2 of 3
3 steps · 4 h of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)