Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce, all perfectly cooked with tender orzo pasta in a slow cooker for an effortless dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil)
Liquids and Dairy
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken to season it thoroughly.
- Add aromatics and sun-dried tomatoes: Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the seasoned chicken. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top, which will add a burst of tangy flavor during cooking.
- Pour chicken broth and cook: Gently pour the low sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and absorb the flavors.
- Add cream and orzo: Check the chicken for doneness. Once nearly cooked, add the heavy cream and orzo pasta directly into the slow cooker. Continue cooking on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Incorporate spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese to the creamy mixture. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a rich and flavorful finish.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed with salt and pepper. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both work well, but thighs might offer more moisture and flavor.
- Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: This adds flavor without extra oiliness.
- Watch the Orzo: To prevent mushiness, check it towards the end of cooking. Add it later if you prefer it firmer.
- Opt for Lighter Cream Options: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or light cream for a less rich sauce.
- Add Spinach at the End: This keeps it fresh and colorful.
- Refresh When Reheating: Add a bit of broth or water to the leftovers to rejuvenate the sauce.
- Freeze for Later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
