Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with the Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe. This easy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, savory Tuscan spices, and creamy orzo pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its rich, savory taste and simple preparation, it’s a must-try for lovers of hearty, healthy crockpot meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free options
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
- Place the seared chicken into the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and orzo pasta. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the residual heat wilt the spinach and meld flavors. Serve warm garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use high-quality chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure the orzo doesn’t overcook by setting a proper time—10 hours on low is recommended.
- Add fresh herbs after cooking for a burst of flavor.
- Adjust the cream to make the dish dairy-free or lighter if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg