Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
This Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and creamy slow-cooker meal featuring tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic and onion, and hearty orzo pasta all simmered in a rich chicken broth with fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. The creamy base is created with heavy cream or cream cheese, making it an indulgent yet easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream or 8 oz cream cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Base: Place the raw chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and pour in the chicken broth. Season everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build the flavor foundation.
- Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Set the crockpot to LOW and cook for 5 to 6 hours, or use HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it well with the aromatic broth to infuse flavor into every bite.
- Add Cream and Orzo: Stir in the heavy cream or cream cheese until fully combined. Then add the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook on HIGH for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Finish With Greens and Cheese: Add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir thoroughly until the spinach wilts and the dish achieves a creamy, well-combined texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Tuscan chicken orzo warm, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, allow the dish to sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving to let excess liquid evaporate.
- Cream cheese can be used instead of heavy cream for a tangier, richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Stir the pot occasionally during the final 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Use thawed chicken to ensure even and safe cooking in the slow cooker.
- If you want to spice it up, add red pepper flakes or diced chili along with the initial ingredients.
- This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat with extra broth or cream to loosen.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, Tuscan orzo, easy dinner, slow cooker recipes, creamy chicken, one-pot meal
