Print

Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Orzo

slow cooker Tuscan chicken orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy Tuscan chicken orzo recipe made effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for cozy dinners with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (170 grams)
  • 3 cups chicken broth (720 ml)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (75 grams), preferably in oil
  • 2 cups baby spinach (about 60 grams)
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. (5 minutes)
  2. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and drizzle the olive oil over everything. Stir gently to distribute garlic and tomatoes but don’t move the chicken too much. (5 minutes)
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. (5 minutes)
  5. Stir in the orzo pasta, baby spinach, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Cover and cook on high for another 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
  6. When the orzo is just right, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  7. Spoon the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top.

Notes

If orzo absorbs too much liquid and looks dry, stir in a splash of broth or water before adding cream to keep it silky. Stir orzo only once after adding to avoid slow cooker reheating delays. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese. To freeze, omit cream and cheese, add them after thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Tuscan chicken, orzo, creamy, easy dinner, comfort food, one pot meal

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tuscan-chicken-orzo-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/