Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo Recipe
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese all slow-cooked to perfection with orzo pasta. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, this flavorful and hearty dish blends Italian-inspired ingredients for a delicious weeknight or weekend meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base
- 1 lb raw boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cubed into about ¾ inch pieces
- 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Creamy Orzo Mixture
- ⅓ cup heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk
- 1 cup (6 ounces) dry orzo pasta
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¾ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Seasonings and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the cubed chicken breast, low-sodium chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. This forms the flavorful base of your dish.
- Cook Chicken on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking step tenderizes the chicken and allows flavors to meld.
- Add Cream and Orzo: Stir in the heavy cream (or half and half/whole milk) and the dry orzo pasta. Cover again and cook on LOW for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until the orzo is tender yet still slightly al dente.
- Incorporate Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and ¾ cup Parmesan cheese. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for about 5 to 10 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a bit more chicken broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Add salt and black pepper and stir well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the dish topped with fresh chopped basil and more Parmesan cheese if desired for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor; drain before adding.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half and half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust the broth quantity if you like a thinner or thicker consistency.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker chicken, creamy chicken and orzo, easy Italian dinner
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/crockpot-tuscan-chicken-with-orzo-recipe/
