Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken, rich cream, and mouth-watering Italian flavors with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Trim off excess fat and cut into smaller pieces if desired.
Starch/Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta Add directly to the slow cooker without pre-cooking.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Mix with other spices for authentic flavor.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 3 cloves minced garlic Fresh garlic is best, sauté briefly for stronger flavor.
- 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes Chop if not pre-chopped.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 2 cups baby spinach Add just before serving.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add to taste at the end.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Transfer the sautéed garlic to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- After cooking, remove the chicken and shred it. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 1 cup of heavy cream.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until the orzo is tender.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving
- Once everything is ready, give it a good stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. Customize with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.