If you’re searching for a cozy, one-pot meal that will have you swooning at first bite, look no further than Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. This creamy, flavor-packed dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy orzo in a single slow cooker for a hands-off dinner that feels utterly luxurious. It’s the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that instantly feels like home, even on the busiest nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is that it shines with just a handful of wholesome, flavorful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build layer after layer of rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor, making every bite irresistible.
- Chicken (1 1/2 pounds, breasts or thighs): Choose what you love! Thighs are ultra-juicy, while breasts give a leaner bite.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): This brings gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the base of the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that irresistible, robust savoriness that makes Tuscan dishes sing.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a classic Mediterranean note that balances the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for coaxing out all the flavors from the chicken and veggies.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings just enough gentle heat to round everything out.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (3 cups): Forms the base of the sauce and keeps the chicken tender as it cooks.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (3/4 cup, drained and chopped): These gems add intense sweet-tart flavor and striking color.
- Orzo Pasta (1 1/2 cups, uncooked): A rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the creamy goodness and cooks to perfect tenderness.
- Baby Spinach (1 cup, chopped): Wilts into the dish, adding freshness and a pop of green.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (3/4 cup): For a luscious, silky texture and a touch of decadence.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts right in, giving the sauce a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh Basil (optional, for garnish): The aromatic, peppery leaves deliver a beautiful finishing note.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by adding the chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes right into your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to distribute everything evenly. These simple steps kick off a slow-cooked medley where every ingredient infuses the dish with heaps of flavor as it simmers away.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Place the lid on the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fork-tender and practically falling apart, soaking up all those Italian-inspired notes from the herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant broth.
Step 3: Shred and Return the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully lift it out and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks (or roughly chop if you prefer bigger chunks). Return that juicy, flavorful chicken right back into the slow cooker, making sure not a drop of those tasty juices goes to waste.
Step 4: Add Orzo and Cook Until Tender
Next, stir in the orzo pasta. Pop the lid back on and crank the slow cooker to high, letting the orzo cook for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial—keep an eye on the orzo to ensure it stays perfectly tender and doesn’t become mushy.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Finish with Greens
Time for the grand finale! Stir in the chopped baby spinach, the creamy heavy cream (or half-and-half), and the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently mix until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a dreamy, velvety sauce. Let the Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo sit for 5 minutes to thicken—it’ll make all the difference!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Garnishes
Right before serving, don’t forget to sprinkle on a handful of freshly chopped basil to highlight the Tuscan flavors and add a splash of green. If you’d like, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a crack of black pepper looks beautiful and really levels up the presentation of this cozy meal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with a crisp green salad, toasted garlic bread, or roasted veggies. These sides bring contrast and freshness to every forkful. You could even serve it with a simple tomato salad or a bright vinaigrette-dressed arugula to cut through the creaminess—so delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at dinner parties, spoon portions into shallow bowls and swirl a little extra cream in a pretty pattern on top. Try serving in individual ramekins for a rustic, personal touch, or pile each bowl high and top with fried basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cool it fully before transferring to airtight containers. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to bring back the velvety texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, though keep in mind the orzo’s texture will soften further. For best results, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, comforting meal anytime you crave a taste of Tuscany.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a bit of extra broth, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Let it simmer gently—this preserves the creaminess and prevents the orzo from getting too soft.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just reduce the initial cooking time and stir the shredded meat in with the orzo so it can soak up all those Tuscan-style flavors.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
No worries—other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells also work well, though cooking times may vary slightly. Be sure to check frequently for doneness.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, or just use extra chicken broth and a splash of plant-based milk for a lighter touch. The flavor will change slightly, but the dish will stay creamy and comforting.
How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?
Add the orzo towards the end of cooking, as instructed, and keep an eye on it—check after 20 minutes and stir. Turn off the heat as soon as it’s al dente and let it sit briefly before serving for the perfect bite.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Try stirring in chopped kale, roasted red peppers, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add heartier veggies at the start, and any delicate greens at the end to keep them vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo that turns any day into a feast! With its melt-in-your-mouth chicken, sun-dried tomato tang, and luscious creamy sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular at your table. Make it once, and I promise you’ll crave it again and again—so go ahead, give it a try and share a bowl with someone you love.
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Tuscany with this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Tender chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. A comforting and satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid:
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender. Remove, shred, and return to the slow cooker.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in orzo, cover, and cook on high for 20–30 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in spinach, cream, and Parmesan until creamy. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- Add extra broth or cream to adjust consistency.
- Substitute kale for spinach or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
