Description
A rich and comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo recipe that combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce served over tender orzo pasta. Perfect for an easy yet elegant meal prepared effortlessly in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Liquids
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Sear chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, cook the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits to add flavor.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed garlic into the slow cooker along with the seared chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Add orzo: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the orzo pasta. Continue cooking until the orzo becomes tender, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- For best results, searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain excess oil before adding.
- Adjust seasoning after adding Parmesan as it adds saltiness to the dish.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes or rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well.
