If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that fills your home with the aromas of Italian cuisine, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo recipe is the perfect fit. Whether you’re a fan of hearty pasta dishes or creamy chicken meals, this recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a flavorful, low-effort dinner that practically cooks itself.
This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious recipe!
A Bit of Italian Flavor in Your Kitchen
Inspired by the warm, rustic flavors of Tuscany, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo brings together simple ingredients for a rich and comforting meal. The creamy sauce, enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, mimics the classic flavors of Tuscan cuisine while the orzo adds a hearty pasta element. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will surely become a household favorite.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Optional Substitutions:
- Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or small pasta.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the cubed chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the chicken. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Gently pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. This will create the base for your flavorful sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1.5 hours.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Orzo
Once the chicken is nearly done, add the heavy cream and orzo to the slow cooker. Stir gently and cook on low for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt, and the Parmesan will melt into the creamy sauce, adding a lovely richness to the dish.
Helpful Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the orzo sit for a few minutes after turning off the slow cooker. It will absorb more of the liquid, making the dish even creamier.
Helpful Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and garlic enhance the flavor of the dish, giving it a vibrant taste.
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, you can throw in extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- Slow Cooker Settings: Cooking on low heat will result in more tender chicken and a deeper flavor, but if you’re short on time, cooking on high heat works just as well.
- Stirring the Orzo: When you add the orzo, give it a good stir every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent it from sticking to the sides.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
This dish is a full meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with some sides:
- A light Caesar salad or a Greek salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the dish.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Info per Serving:
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Storage and Leftovers for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
To store your leftovers, place the cooled dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
If you’d like to freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
1. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker? Yes! You can cook the chicken and orzo on the stovetop in a large skillet or Dutch oven, following the same steps but reducing the cooking time.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra richness and flavor to this dish.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
4. What can I substitute for orzo? You can use other small pasta like Ditalini or even rice if you prefer.
Related Recipes for Slow Cooker Lovers
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole
: A hearty and filling casserole dish with cornbread.
- Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs
: Another Tuscan-inspired slow cooker favorite with delicious meatballs.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo as much as we do! It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. If you try it out, please leave us a review and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to hear your personal variations and tips!
Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
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Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo | Easy Recipe
Description
If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that fills your home with the aromas of Italian cuisine, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo recipe is the perfect fit. Whether you’re a fan of hearty pasta dishes or creamy chicken meals, this recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a flavorful, low-effort dinner that practically cooks itself.
This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Optional Substitutions:
- Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or small pasta.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the cubed chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the chicken. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Gently pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. This will create the base for your flavorful sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1.5 hours.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Orzo
Once the chicken is nearly done, add the heavy cream and orzo to the slow cooker. Stir gently and cook on low for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt, and the Parmesan will melt into the creamy sauce, adding a lovely richness to the dish.
Helpful Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the orzo sit for a few minutes after turning off the slow cooker. It will absorb more of the liquid, making the dish even creamier.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and garlic enhance the flavor of the dish, giving it a vibrant taste.
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, you can throw in extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
