Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce with tender orzo pasta and fresh spinach. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal with rich Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
Finishing Touches
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken.
- Add Broth and Cook Chicken: Pour 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the slow cooker with the juices.
- Add Cream and Orzo: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 ½ cups of uncooked orzo pasta. Cover and continue cooking on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly and the spinach to wilt.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version or use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or peas for more nutrition and variety.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper before serving if needed.
