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
Scale
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
