Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The addition of fresh spinach and orzo pasta creates a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Made in the slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time and results in tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season them evenly with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor throughout the dish.
- Add Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the seasoned chicken. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top, which lend a rich, tangy burst of flavor.
- Add Chicken Broth and Begin Cooking: Gently pour the low sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or on high heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the seasonings.
- Add Cream and Orzo: When the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the heavy cream and orzo pasta to the slow cooker. Continue cooking on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the orzo is tender but not mushy, creating a creamy sauce.
- Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese fully melts into the sauce, enriching the dish with fresh flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both work well, but thighs might offer more moisture and flavor.
- Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: This adds flavor without extra oiliness.
- Watch the Orzo: To prevent mushiness, check it towards the end of cooking. Add it later if you prefer it firmer.
- Opt for Lighter Cream Options: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or light cream for a less rich sauce.
- Add Spinach at the End: This keeps it fresh and colorful.
- Refresh When Reheating: Add a bit of broth or water to the leftovers to rejuvenate the sauce.
- Freeze for Later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
