If you are craving a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts, slow-cooked to perfection with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan-infused sauce melding beautifully with tender orzo pasta. This recipe brings together that classic Tuscan flair with the ease of a slow cooker, turning simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role to bring color, texture, and layers of delightful flavors to your plate.

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein as the star of the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps with searing the chicken for flavor depth.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herbaceous Italian flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural tastes.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice.
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained: Offers a juicy, tangy base element.
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds concentrated, sweet-tart tomato flavor and chewy texture.
  • 4 cups fresh spinach: Introduces vibrant color and a healthy green touch.
  • 1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation that ties everything together.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that makes this recipe so indulgent.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish to the creamy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Used for garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Searing them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side develops a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices and adds depth to the final flavor. Once seared, set the chicken aside but don’t worry about cooking it through just yet — that happens in the slow cooker!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic for Extra Aroma

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds or until fragrant. This quick sauté brings out garlic’s sweetness and prevents a harsh raw taste in the dish. Transfer the garlic along with all other ingredients except the orzo and Parmesan directly into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, then add the drained diced tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, letting those Tuscan flavors mingle. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 4: Add Orzo Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the orzo pasta. This timing allows the orzo to cook perfectly without becoming mushy, absorbing that creamed tomato and spinach sauce lovingly simmered for hours. This step transforms the dish from stew-like to a hearty, pasta-infused meal.

Step 5: Shred and Return Chicken; Finish with Parmesan

Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker stirring it in evenly. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty richness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped basil just before serving for the perfect fresh herbaceous touch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil over the top not only adds a vibrant green color but also offers a bright, aromatic contrast to the creamy sauce. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the finishing touches.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, ladle the Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe into shallow bowls and garnish with a basil sprig and freshly grated Parmesan. If hosting a casual dinner, serve it family-style from the slow cooker placed center table, letting guests help themselves for warm, communal comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes excellent leftovers. Store any unused portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe, but be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It should stay good for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the spinach may soften further upon thawing, but the dish will remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a fantastic substitute for breasts, offering a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture after slow cooking.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help maintain richness without using heavy cream.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can adapt it for the Instant Pot using the sauté function to sear the chicken and garlic, then slow cook or pressure cook the rest. Be sure to adjust the orzo cooking time as it cooks faster in the Instant Pot.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?

Adding orzo 30 minutes before the end of cooking and stirring occasionally helps prevent clumping. Also, make sure your slow cooker liquid isn’t too low to allow the pasta to cook evenly.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about settling in with a bowl of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe. The creamy, herby, and tender flavors bring warmth to the table in such an effortless way that you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite. So grab your slow cooker and start creating some delicious memories!

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Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 32 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The dish is completed with orzo pasta cooked to perfection, perfect for a hearty family dinner with minimal hands-on time.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Liquids

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil


Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the garlic to the slow cooker. Add the seared chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Add Orzo Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the orzo pasta. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender.
  6. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker, shred them with two forks, then return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
  7. Finish and Garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh garlic and fresh basil.
  • Drain diced tomatoes well to prevent excess liquid in the slow cooker.
  • The orzo adds creaminess and body; avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option.

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