Description

This comforting Crockpot Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of chicken simmer in a savory broth with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then are combined with tender orzo pasta, fresh baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and hearty dish. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring juicy chicken and perfectly cooked orzo with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

1 lb raw boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cubed into ¾ inch pieces
1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
¾ cup sun dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Dairy and Pasta

⅓ cup heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk
1 cup (6 ounces) dry orzo pasta
¾ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Vegetables and Seasonings

2–3 cups fresh baby spinach
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Add cubed chicken, low-sodium chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 2 to 3 hours until chicken is tender.
Add dairy and orzo: Stir in the heavy cream and dry orzo pasta. Cover again and cook on LOW for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until the orzo is tender and cooked to al dente.
Incorporate spinach and cheese: Stir in fresh baby spinach and ¾ cup Parmesan cheese. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 5 to 10 minutes more until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. If the dish is too thick, add extra chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
Season and serve: Add salt and black pepper to taste, stir well, and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve topped with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on preference.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor but can be substituted with roasted red peppers for a different twist.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk.
Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model; times may vary slightly.
For thicker consistency, reduce the amount of added broth or cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Fresh basil adds brightness, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker chicken, creamy chicken with orzo, one-pot meal, easy dinner