Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with creamy, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. spicy roasted carrots The aroma wafts through your home, promising a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. gochujang cornbread dressing.

Picture this: you walk into your kitchen after a long day, and the rich smell of garlic and herbs envelops you. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor from fresh ingredients
You can customize it based on your pantry staples while still looking gorgeous on the plate
Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends with friends and family

When I first made this dish, my family practically fought over the last spoonfuls. They were so enamored that I’m pretty sure I earned my “Chef of the Year” award in our household.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious Olive Garden breadsticks.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how hungry everyone is!
Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for an aromatic kick.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy flavor; look for those packed in oil.
Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; they wilt beautifully in the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture; don’t skimp here!
Orzo Pasta: A short pasta that’s perfect for soaking up flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth; avoid pre-packaged ones if possible.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish effortlessly.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Measure out your broth and cream so everything is ready to go. It helps keep things organized!

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor before slow cooking.

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken into your slow cooker. Then, add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, broth, cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken should shred easily when it’s done—just wait until you smell that heavenly aroma.

Cook the Orzo: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked orzo pasta into the slow cooker. Allow it to soak up all that creamy goodness while cooking until tender.

Add Cheese and Serve: Once cooked through, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot with extra cheese sprinkled on top for good measure!

Now that you’ve created this masterpiece of Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo, get ready for compliments galore! Your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria. indulgent chocolate chip pancakes.

Enjoy every bite as you savor this delightful blend of flavors—your taste buds will thank you!

You Must Know

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl
The creamy sauce, infused with Italian herbs, makes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights
The vibrant colors and aromas will brighten your kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in the slow cooker for rich flavor. While it cooks, prepare the orzo to save time and enhance texture. Then, mix everything to create a creamy masterpiece. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole recipe.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out chicken for shrimp or adding spinach for extra nutrients. You can also experiment with various cheeses like feta or parmesan for unique flavors. For more inspiration, check out this One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones to elevate flavor profiles significantly
Don’t rush the slow cooking process; let those flavors meld beautifully
Always taste before serving to adjust seasonings as needed for perfection!

Creating this dish reminds me of cozy family dinners where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the sauce. It became a favorite after friends raved about it at potlucks!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for orzo in this recipe?

You can use rice or quinoa as alternatives if you don’t have orzo on hand.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare it a day before and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Substitute coconut milk for cream and nutritional yeast for cheese to keep it dairy-free.