Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting Italian dish combining chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Begin by placing the cubed chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the foundation of your meal, so ensure the cubes are evenly distributed. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the chicken, imbuing it with rich flavors from the get-go.
- Next, add the aromatic elements. Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the seasoned chicken. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing their tanginess to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Take the low-sodium chicken broth and gently pour it over the layered chicken and vegetables. This broth will serve as the base of your sauce, creating a juicy environment for the chicken to cook in. Once everything is nicely layered, cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, depending on your schedule.
- With the chicken nearly cooked through, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Pour in the heavy cream and add the orzo pasta. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the orzo is coated with the creamy mixture. Continue cooking on low for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- As the final step, fold in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt almost immediately, and the Parmesan will melt, creating a luscious sauce throughout the dish. If you like, let it sit for a few minutes after turning off the cooker. This extra time allows the orzo to absorb any remaining liquid for a thicker, creamier texture.
Notes
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels; you can always add more salt later based on taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Protein: 45 g