Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, and the classic flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy nights, creating a cozy meal the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker along with minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken and Add Orzo:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and orzo pasta.
- Finish Cooking:
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and creamy. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
- Stir occasionally after adding the orzo to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Substitute kale for spinach, if desired, for a slightly different flavor.