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To make this creamy garlic Tuscan pasta, you'll need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Each ingredient plays a role. The penne pasta absorbs flavors well. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and tang. Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Broth adds depth. Parmesan gives a nice salty bite. Garlic and Italian seasoning create a warm aroma. Olive oil ties everything together. You might find these items in your pantry: - Salt - Black pepper These staples enhance the flavor. They help balance the creamy texture and bright veggies. Consider these garnishes for added flair: - Fresh basil Basil adds a fresh note. It brightens the dish, making it even more appealing. You can sprinkle it on top before serving. Start by adding the uncooked penne pasta to your slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. This mix will create a rich base. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir it well. Make sure the pasta is fully coated. Now, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over everything and give it a gentle mix. Cover your slow cooker and choose your cooking time. If you are in a hurry, set it to high for 1 to 1.5 hours. For a more relaxed pace, cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. The pasta should be tender, soaking up the liquid. Stir occasionally if you can. This helps the flavors blend. When the cooking time is up, it’s time for the last touch. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make your pasta creamy and rich. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot. If you like, add fresh basil on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal! To cook pasta well, start with enough liquid. In this recipe, we use chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. This mix keeps the pasta moist. Stir the pasta well when you add it. This helps each piece cook evenly. Check the pasta after two hours on low. It should be tender but not mushy. If you cook it too long, it can get soggy. Trust your taste buds; they guide you! To boost flavor, use fresh garlic. Minced garlic adds a strong, rich taste. Italian seasoning brings warmth to the dish. Don't forget to add salt and pepper for balance. You can adjust these to your liking. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh basil as a garnish gives a nice touch. It adds color and freshness to each bite. One mistake is adding too much liquid. Stick to the amounts in the recipe. Another is not stirring well. Make sure all pasta gets coated with the sauce. Avoid opening the slow cooker too often. This lets heat escape and slows cooking. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese! It makes the pasta creamy and delicious. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the creamy flavor but changes the protein source. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. They add color and taste. If you want to add protein, chicken or shrimp works well. Cook them separately and add them in at the end. This gives you a heartier meal. You can also use canned beans like chickpeas. They add protein and fiber without meat. Feel free to change up the ingredients. You can swap penne for another pasta shape. Fusilli or farfalle can work great too. Try different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a twist. For more flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Each change makes the dish unique. After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down first. This keeps moisture in check and helps it stay fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating creamy pasta, add a splash of broth or cream. This helps to moisten the dish. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a skillet, warm it on low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. The goal is to bring it back to that creamy texture. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned earlier for best results. You can store this dish in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container. Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage. To enjoy it later, reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! Just choose a type that cooks well, like brown rice or quinoa pasta. Adjust the cooking time as needed. Gluten-free pasta may cook faster, so keep an eye on it. You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Each will give a different taste and texture, so choose what you like best. Absolutely! You can cook it on the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cook until the pasta is tender, stirring often. This blog post covered everything about Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Tuscan Pasta. I shared key ingredients and essential pantry items. You learned to prepare the dish step-by-step, ensuring perfect pasta every time. Tips and tricks helped avoid common mistakes. I also provided variations for all diets and how to store leftovers safely. Remember that cooking is fun and allows you to be creative. Enjoy this creamy pasta dish your way!

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Tuscan Pasta

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Tuscan Pasta that's perfect for busy weeknights! This simple recipe features tender penne pasta, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes cooked in a rich, creamy sauce. In just a few steps, you can create a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Click through for the full recipe and transform your dinner with this easy, flavorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

2 cups spinach, fresh

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In the slow cooker, combine the uncooked penne pasta, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure the pasta is coated.

    Add the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

      Drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients in the slow cooker and gently mix everything together.

        Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Once cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

            Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 2-3 hours | 4 servings