Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful Tuscan-inspired ingredients, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in the slow cooker, letting you enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Creamy: The combination of creamy sauce with tender chicken and orzo pasta creates a meal that’s rich, comforting, and flavorful.
• Easy to Make: Toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, and you’re done. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen.
• Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese make every bite burst with flavor.
• Versatile: Customize the recipe by adding more veggies, adjusting the seasoning, or using different types of cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): While optional, searing the chicken in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil can add depth to the flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. This step helps lock in flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and add the chicken directly to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker

1. Layer the Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken.
2. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning on top of the chicken. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
3. Add the Orzo: Pour the uncooked orzo pasta into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly around the chicken. Don’t stir it in yet; let it cook on top of the liquid, and the heat will help the orzo soften and absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Dish

1. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but the flavors tend to meld better when cooked slowly.
2. Shred the Chicken: About 15 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining chicken broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken and Orzo: Once the sauce is ready, pour it into the slow cooker over the shredded chicken and cooked orzo.
3. Stir in the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and stir everything together, letting the spinach wilt into the creamy mixture. The spinach adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo: Once everything is combined, serve the creamy chicken orzo immediately.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

• Customize the Vegetables: While spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are classic for this recipe, you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini to boost the veggie content.
• Cheese Variety: You can experiment with different cheeses. For a richer flavor, swap in some fontina or gouda. Mozzarella can also be added for an extra cheesy, gooey texture.
• Make It Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a lighter milk option. You can also use a lower-fat cheese if you want to reduce the calories.
• Add More Protein: For extra protein, consider adding bacon or sausage to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure they’re completely thawed before shredding them at the end of the cooking process. If cooking from frozen, add an extra hour to the cook time on low.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • While orzo works best in this recipe, you can use small pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta used, so monitor it closely.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container, and reheat by thawing overnight in the fridge and then reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
4. What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo?
   • This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or some roasted vegetables to make it more filling.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can prepare everything up to Step 3, then refrigerate it overnight and cook it the next day. The flavors will meld even more as it sits, making it taste even better.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a showstopper of a meal that will please everyone around the dinner table. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal effort, and results in a rich and satisfying dish that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness that is bound to become a family favorite!

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Print

Looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful Tuscan-inspired ingredients, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in the slow cooker, letting you enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 hours

Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds flavor but is optional if you're in a hurry.
   
2. Add to Slow Cooker:
   Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
   
3. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
   
4. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
   
5. Add the Orzo and Spinach:
   Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and chopped spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. You may need to add a little more chicken broth if it gets too thick.
   
6. Finish the Dish:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
   
7. Serve:
   Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo in bowls, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

For added texture, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra flavor and color.