Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The orzo pasta absorbs all the savory goodness, making it a perfect easy weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil)
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken for balanced flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the seasoned chicken. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to bring a vibrant, tangy note to the dish.
- Pour Broth and Begin Cooking: Gently pour the low sodium chicken broth over the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cream and Orzo: Once chicken is nearly done, stir in the heavy cream and orzo pasta. Continue cooking on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the orzo is fully tender and creamy.
- Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, enriching the creaminess.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve this hearty and creamy Tuscan chicken orzo hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both work well; thighs provide extra moisture and richer flavor.
- Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Adds flavor while reducing excess oiliness.
- Watch the Orzo: Add the pasta later if you prefer it firmer to prevent overcooking.
- Opt for Lighter Cream Options: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or light cream to reduce richness.
- Add Spinach at the End: To keep the spinach fresh, vibrant, and prevent overcooking.
- Refresh When Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the sauce when reheating leftovers.
- Freeze for Later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for a quick, tasty future meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
