Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is the ultimate cozy dinner made right in your crock pot. Tender chicken, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and perfectly cooked orzo come together in one rich and satisfying dish. It tastes like something from a restaurant, but it’s simple enough for busy weeknights. This creamy Tuscan-inspired meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce & Orzo
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Flavor
Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Shred and Add Orzo
Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir in uncooked orzo. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 20–30 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce
Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Let cook for another 5–10 minutes until spinach wilts and the sauce thickens. If needed, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in to thicken.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra richness
- Add mushrooms for deeper flavor
- Stir in a splash of white wine before cooking
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
Cooking Notes
- Add the orzo near the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy
- Stir occasionally after adding the orzo so it cooks evenly
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth
- Fresh spinach is best, but frozen can work if well-drained
- Grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest sauce
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Top with extra grated Parmesan
- Add roasted vegetables on the side
- Serve family-style in a large bowl for gatherings
Tips
- Season chicken well before cooking for the best flavor
- Do not overcook the orzo, check it at 20 minutes
- Let the dish sit 5 minutes before serving to thicken naturally
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours
- Total Time: About 5 hours
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
FAQs
Can I cook the orzo separately?
Yes, you can cook it separately and stir it in at the end if you prefer more control over texture.
Can I freeze this recipe?
It can be frozen, but the cream sauce may slightly change texture when reheated.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty orzo in the easiest way possible. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.