Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting, hands-off dinner bursting with tender chicken, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
3. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
4. Add onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
6. Remove chicken, shred or slice, and return to the pot.
7. Stir in orzo and cream.
8. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
9. Add spinach, Parmesan, and stir until melted and creamy.
10. Serve hot with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
Stir the orzo halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
Add more broth or cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy orzo, slow cooker, cozy dinner