This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a cozy dish that’s great for busy days! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious orzo pasta, all cooked together for a tasty meal.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Plus, the smell that fills the kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Just serve it with a side salad and you’ll have a delightful dinner that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and tender. You can substitute with thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Orzo: This tiny pasta is perfect for combining textures in the dish. If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta like ditalini or even rice could work as a substitute.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is a must. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add rich flavor. If you’re out, fresh cherry tomatoes can substitute, but add them later to avoid softening too much.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. If you only have frozen spinach, that works too, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Is Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker allows it to stay moist and soak up flavors. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Use the low setting for slow cooking; it helps to retain moisture.
- Don’t skip the olive oil—it aids in flavor and prevents sticking.
- Check if it’s cooked through by shredding; it should pull apart easily.
After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker so it can soak in the sauce while you add the orzo and cream. This step will keep your chicken flavorful!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 4 to 6 hours to cook on low in the slow cooker. Plus, an extra 30 to 40 minutes on high to add the orzo and make it creamy. Total time is about 5 to 7 hours, which is perfect for a cozy, hands-off dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Ingredients:
Start by adding the boneless chicken breasts to your slow cooker. Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle everything with the olive oil to add flavor.
2. Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything nicely. This helps to ensure that the chicken is flavored and infused with all those tasty ingredients.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and pulls apart easily with a fork. The longer you cook, the more tender the chicken will be, so feel free to leave it on the longer end if needed!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. This adds a wonderful texture to the dish!
5. Add the Orzo and Cream:
Next, stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, and the roughly chopped spinach. Make sure it’s all well mixed. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let the orzo cook and soak up that creamy goodness.
6. Finish with Parmesan:
Once the orzo is tender and the mixture is creamy, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted throughout the dish. This will give it a delicious cheesy flavor! Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy Tuscan chicken orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite of this wonderful dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini, macaronis, or even small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary. Cook the pasta separately before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked and mushy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Freeze in portions and reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess as it reheats.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can complement it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. A slice of crusty bread would also be perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce!
