Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484962H30M33S
Total time: PT-484962H30M33S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy sauce alongside orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and flavorful Italian herbs. It’s a complete meal in one pot, delivering hearty, satisfying flavors with very little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo makes dinnertime so easy. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, so I don’t need multiple pots and pans. The creamy sauce soaks into the orzo and chicken, making each bite packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a flexible dish that I can tweak depending on what I have on hand. Perfect for busy weekdays when I still want a hearty, homemade meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup chicken broth

4 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup orzo pasta

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

I season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. After searing, I set the chicken aside.

In the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

I transfer the garlic into the slow cooker and add the chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, chicken broth, and heavy cream.

I cover and cook everything on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook until tender.

I remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.

Finally, I stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, adjust the seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)

Total Time: About 6–7 hours 10 minutes

Calories: Approximately 540 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Sometimes, I add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for more vegetables. For a lighter version, I replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative. If I crave extra spice, I sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well; I freeze it in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes:

FAQs

How can I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

I make sure to add the orzo about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends and stir occasionally to cook it evenly without overcooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the seared chicken and garlic the night before, then assemble everything in the slow cooker the next morning for an even quicker start.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If I want a lighter option, I substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative without sacrificing too much richness.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

I can substitute frozen spinach by thawing and draining it well before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid extra liquid in the sauce.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

I can adapt this recipe by using a Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stovetop, simmering everything gently until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is one of those magical meals that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. I love how the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory Italian flavors come together in every bite. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish always satisfies.

📖 Recipe: