Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that is warm, comforting, and delicious. Your slow cooker does most of the work, making it simple to prepare with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place cubed chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle chicken with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until chicken is tender.
- Stir in spinach and orzo pasta.
- Cover and cook for another 30 to 45 minutes, until orzo is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the results will be less rich.
- You can prep ingredients the night before for easier assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5 to 5.75 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 650-750 (estimated)
- Sugar: 9-12g (estimated)
- Sodium: Approx. 500-700mg (estimated)
- Fat: Approx. 40-50g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 25-30g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0-1g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30-40g (estimated)
- Fiber: Approx. 3-5g (estimated)
- Protein: Approx. 35-45g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approx. 150-200mg (estimated)