Some dinners just feel like a deep breath at the end of the day, and this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is exactly that. Tender bites of chicken, silky orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce come together with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a meal that feels both cozy and a little special.
I tested this recipe on one of those busy afternoons when I wanted dinner handled without much fuss. By the time the orzo went in, the kitchen already smelled warm and savory, and the final spoonful was pure comfort. If you love chicken crockpot recipes that cook themselves and still feel homemade, this one is for you. Let's dive in.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker dinner with minimal prep
- Creamy, comforting flavors everyone loves
- Complete one-pot meal with protein and pasta
- Perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekends
- Family-friendly and great for leftovers
- Customizable with thighs, lighter cream, or extra greens
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Chicken breasts work beautifully here, but chicken thighs are even juicier if you prefer a richer bite. I have made it both ways, and thighs are especially forgiving in the slow cooker.
If you want a lighter sauce, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or light cream. Sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil keep the sauce balanced and not too heavy.
Spinach goes in at the end so it stays bright and tender instead of fading into the sauce.
Instructions
- Place the cubed chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Gently toss so the chicken is evenly coated.
- Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the chicken. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top for little bursts of flavor throughout.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth over everything. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Once the chicken is almost done, add the heavy cream and orzo. Stir gently, then cover and cook on low for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt quickly, and the cheese will melt into a creamy, glossy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm while everything is perfectly creamy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cut chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking
- Add the orzo near the end to avoid overcooking
- Stir gently after adding pasta to keep it from sticking
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy texture.
Make Ahead and Freezing
You can prep the chicken, onion, garlic, and seasonings the night before and store them in the fridge. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with extra liquid to refresh the sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Use chicken thighs for extra moisture
- Add mushrooms for an earthy twist
- Swap spinach for kale if you like heartier greens
- Make it lighter with half-and-half instead of cream
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness
FAQs
I recommend waiting until the end so it stays tender and not mushy.
It has just a gentle warmth. You can reduce or skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer mild.
Yes, as long as your slow cooker has enough room. Stir well when adding the orzo.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and easy dish that's perfect for any day of the week. With tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it's a full meal that cooks itself in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, not in oil)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the chicken. Add the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Gently pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-1.5 hours.
- Check the chicken for doneness. If nearly done, add the heavy cream and orzo. Cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce.
- Adjust seasonings as needed and serve hot.
Notes
Use chicken breasts or thighs - both work well. Drain sun-dried tomatoes if packed in oil. Add orzo later to avoid mushiness. Substitute heavy cream with lighter cream options. Always add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant. Refresh with a splash of broth when reheating leftovers. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 594
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 532mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad. It is perfect for cozy dinners at home and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition and Notes
Each serving is rich, satisfying, and filling, with about 594 calories per portion. This recipe serves four and works beautifully as a complete meal. I tested it several times to get the timing just right so the chicken stays tender and the orzo cooks perfectly.
Reader Reviews
Readers often say this becomes a regular rotation meal because it feels comforting without being complicated. Many mention how much they love the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
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