Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds dancing. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory Tuscan-inspired ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic make this dish a perfect comfort meal. Plus, the orzo pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without much prep or supervision.
• Creamy & Comforting: The creamy sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of cream creates a comforting base that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and orzo pasta.
• Tuscan Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs bring the flavors of Tuscany right to your dinner table.
• One-Pot Meal: The chicken, orzo, and sauce cook together, making cleanup a breeze while ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
5. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce.
6. Add the Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt and the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken orzo!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 5-6 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 5-6 hours (including cooking time)

Variations

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta, such as gluten-free penne or rotini.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or milk in place of the heavy cream for a lighter, less rich version of the sauce.
• Add More Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra veggies and texture.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time on low, or 1 hour if cooking on high.

Can I substitute orzo with another type of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Sear the chicken, sauté the onions and garlic, then add the sauce ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick-release, shred the chicken, add the orzo, and cook for another 4-5 minutes on high pressure.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream, and use a dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken, onions, garlic, and broth the night before and store them in the fridge. Then just add them to the slow cooker and cook the next day.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce mixture (before adding the orzo) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then continue with the recipe by adding the orzo and cooking as directed.

What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy Tuscan chicken orzo pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, for a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper to the sauce along with the other seasonings.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with roasted red peppers, chopped tomatoes, or skip them entirely.

Can I add a crusty bread on the side?

Absolutely! Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a delicious, hassle-free meal that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty orzo pasta, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—what’s not to love? Enjoy this cozy, one-pot meal with your family tonight!

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