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Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe | Rich & Easy

I absolutely love making this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe. There’s something so comforting about walking into my kitchen after a long day and being greeted with the aroma of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy orzo. For a variation, I sometimes try an easy stuffed chicken recipe that adds a fun twist to traditional chicken dishes.

It’s effortless yet indulgent, and the flavors transport me straight to Tuscany. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it’s just as delightful. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy Tuscan chicken orzo perfection:

Chicken breasts (2 large, boneless and skinless): I prefer breasts for a lean, tender result, but thighs can work too.
Italian seasoning (2 tsp): Blends herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for authentic Tuscan flavor.
Red pepper flakes (½ tsp): Adds a subtle kick; adjust based on your spice preference.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic provides a deeper flavor than powders.
Onion (1 small, finely diced): Adds sweetness and texture; shallots are a fine substitute.
Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): Gives a tangy richness; roasted red peppers can be swapped if needed.
Chicken broth (2 cups, low sodium): Keeps the dish flavorful without being salty; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian alternative.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce; half-and-half or plant-based cream works too.
Spinach (2 cups, fresh, chopped): Adds color and nutrition; kale or Swiss chard can be used.
Orzo pasta (1 cup, uncooked): Perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce; small pasta shapes like ditalini are a good alternative.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Gives a savory finish; Asiago or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes.

Note: Serves 4-6 people.

Variations

You can also enjoy similar twists, like a skillet Mexican street corn recipe, alongside this dish to make your meal extra festive. You can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences:

Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Lighter version: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (stir in after cooking).
Protein swaps: Chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Flavor boosters: Add roasted garlic, sun-dried tomato pesto, or fresh basil for extra aroma.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes to prepare this comforting meal:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2–3 hours on low or 1–1.5 hours on high
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (low) / 1 hour 20 minutes (high)

Equipment You Need

Slow cooker: Essential for hands-off cooking and slow simmering.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic, onion, and spinach.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring in cream, orzo, and cheese.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Making this recipe is easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps:

Season the Chicken

Start by sprinkling the chicken with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This helps infuse the meat with flavor before cooking.

Layer in Flavors

Place minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken in the slow cooker. This builds layers of savory and tangy flavors.

Add Liquids and Cook

Pour the chicken broth over everything, cover, and cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1.5 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender while soaking in the flavors.

Add the Cream and Orzo

Once the chicken is nearly cooked, stir in heavy cream and uncooked orzo. Let it cook for another 20–30 minutes until the pasta is tender and creamy.

Finish with Greens and Cheese

Stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. This final touch brightens the dish and adds a rich, savory finish.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this dish multiple times, and here are some tricks I use to make it even better:

I like to use freshly grated Parmesan; it melts beautifully and adds a richer flavor.
Avoid frozen spinach; fresh spinach keeps the sauce from becoming watery.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes it perfect.
Stir halfway through cooking to make sure the orzo absorbs the sauce evenly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Serving this dish is as fun as making it. I usually scoop it into shallow bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and add a few fresh basil leaves for color. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. You can also drizzle a touch of olive oil on top for a glossy finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving (approximate):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 22 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked orzo and chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Reheating

Slowly reheat on low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a little extra broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this slow cooker creamy Tuscan chicken orzo has won my heart:

Effortless cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away.
Comforting flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and infused with Italian herbs.
Versatile: Works for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends.
Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients to fit dietary needs.
Visually appealing: Bright spinach and golden Parmesan make it pop on the plate.

This slow cooker creamy Tuscan chicken orzo is one of those recipes I always keep in my rotation. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy, making it a weeknight favorite and a family pleaser.

Ben Carraoli