Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo is creamy and flavorful, made with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a comforting slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights, ready in about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo 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

How To Make Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo

1. Season the chicken: Place chicken cubes in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Add aromatics and tomatoes: Scatter minced garlic and diced onion over chicken. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Pour in broth and cook: Add chicken broth, cover, and cook on LOW 2–3 hours or HIGH 1–1.5 hours until chicken is nearly cooked.
4. Add cream and pasta: Stir in heavy cream and orzo. Cook on LOW for an additional 20–30 minutes until orzo is tender.
5. Stir in spinach and cheese: Mix in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
6. Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Yes, thighs add more flavor and stay juicy during slow cooking.
• How do I prevent mushy orzo?
  Add the orzo toward the end of cooking and check for doneness after 20 minutes.
• Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
  Yes, but drain them well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream?
  Half-and-half or light cream works for a lighter version.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This creamy chicken orzo pairs well with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio

How To Store Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Tuscan Chicken Orzo Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 594 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 33g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 532mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 14g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on HIGH for about 1–1.5 hours before adding orzo and cream.

Does the spinach need to be fresh or frozen?
Fresh spinach works best for texture and color, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker and adjust cook time slightly.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Tomatillo Chicken
• Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Wings
• Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup