Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich, comforting dish that marries tender chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan sauce, spinach, and orzo pasta. Inspired by rustic Tuscan flavors, this one-pot slow cooker meal offers a satisfying and hearty experience with minimal hands-on effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian, Tuscan
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Sauce and Pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker base: Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried thyme into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, absorbing the flavors of the herbs and broth.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the other ingredients.
- Add creamy elements and orzo: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, and uncooked orzo pasta into the slow cooker.
- Cook the orzo: Continue cooking on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot, enjoying the creamy, savory combination of Tuscan flavors.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free orzo or a pasta alternative like quinoa or rice to make it gluten-free.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices for a spicy kick.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or mozzarella to vary the cheese flavor.
- Double the recipe for meal prep or to save leftovers; it stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely.
- Stir occasionally during the final orzo cooking step to prevent sticking.
Keywords: Slow cooker chicken, creamy Tuscan chicken, orzo pasta recipe, comfort food, one-pot meal, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, Tuscan flavors
