Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy tomato and spinach sauce with orzo pasta. This easy-to-make recipe combines Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan finish, perfect for a hearty family dinner prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker.
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
- 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, then sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant to deepen the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed garlic into the slow cooker. Add the seared chicken breasts, drained diced tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Add Orzo: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the orzo pasta into the slow cooker and cook until the pasta is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker to mix well.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped basil just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Adding the orzo towards the end prevents it from becoming mushy during slow cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are not available, roasted red peppers can be a flavorful substitute.
