Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy Parmesan-infused orzo pasta. This easy, hands-off recipe uses a slow cooker to develop rich flavors and a luscious texture, perfect for a satisfying main course that serves six.
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
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
Cheese and Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and seasonings: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to build a flavorful base.
- Add aromatics and tomatoes: Layer the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the seasoned chicken. These ingredients will infuse the dish with a rich, tangy depth.
- Pour in broth and cook chicken: Pour in the 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. 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 thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, then return it back into the slow cooker.
- Incorporate cream and orzo: Stir in the heavy cream and uncooked orzo pasta. Cover and continue cooking on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice throughout to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Add spinach and Parmesan cheese: Just before serving, stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes to let it thicken slightly and the spinach to wilt.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream option or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time.
- For more vegetables, add sliced mushrooms or peas during the cream and orzo cooking stage.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
