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Crockpot Dinners for Two: Easy Cozy Recipes for Stress-Free Nights

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These cozy crockpot dinners for two are perfect for stress-free weeknights, featuring a creamy Tuscan chicken and a hearty veggie & bean stew. Both recipes are simple, comforting, and require minimal prep, making them ideal for busy couples or small households.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz), thawed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk for lighter version)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or herbes de Provence)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for finishing)
  • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 (15-oz) can white beans (like cannellini, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 small carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 1/2 small yellow onion (chopped)
  • 2 small Yukon gold potatoes (about 8 oz, diced)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
  2. 1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  3. 2. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 3–4 quart crockpot. Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 3 minced garlic cloves over the top.
  4. 3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cottage cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, and Italian herbs until mostly smooth.
  5. 4. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. 5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in chopped spinach. Cover again until wilted.
  7. 6. Stir in grated Parmesan (if using) just before serving. Spoon chicken and sauce into bowls.
  8. Hearty Veggie & Bean Stew:
  9. 1. Dice carrots, onion, and potatoes. Add to the crockpot with diced tomatoes (with juices), white beans, and frozen peas.
  10. 2. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, tomato paste, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
  11. 3. Add vegetable broth and stir to combine.
  12. 4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) until potatoes are tender.
  13. 5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra broth if too thick, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  14. 6. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality broth and add dairy ingredients toward the end to prevent curdling. Both recipes are naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for dairy-free or vegetarian diets. Serve the chicken over rice or the stew with crusty bread for a complete meal. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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