Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach come together effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken in the slow cooker along with minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and orzo pasta.
6. Step 6: 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.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
• Try adding mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini work well, but adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure tenderness.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Cook the chicken in a large pot with broth and garlic until tender, then proceed by shredding the chicken and adding the remaining ingredients to finish stove-top cooking until the orzo is tender and creamy.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

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This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender Italian-seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, all cooked together with orzo pasta in a slow cooker for a convenient and delicious dinner.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 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)

Liquid and Pasta

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese and Greens

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure the chicken is flavorful throughout the cooking process.
2. Place in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker, then add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth. This creates the flavorful base liquid for the dish.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
4. Shred Chicken and Add Orzo: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it into the broth.
5. Add Cream, Cheese, and Pasta: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the uncooked orzo pasta to the slow cooker, blending all ingredients.
6. Finish Cooking the Orzo: Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until the spinach wilts.
7. Serve: Dish out the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result or breasts for leaner meat.
• If sun-dried tomatoes are not available, roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute to add sweetness and color.
• Make sure to check the orzo near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking; orzo cooks quickly and can become mushy.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, slow cooker recipe, creamy chicken, orzo pasta, one-pot meal, easy dinner