Name: Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 baby spinach; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or 8 oz cream cheese; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1½ cups orzo pasta; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Introduction

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food: Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo! This easy slow cooker meal combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta for a rich and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

A close-up view of a creamy dish in a black slow cooker, showing a mix of shredded white chicken pieces, light brown orzo pasta, bright green chopped herbs, and chunks of red sun-dried tomatoes all evenly combined in a thick sauce. A wooden spoon is scooping the mixture from the right side, highlighting the dense and smooth texture of the creamy sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Place the chicken in the crockpot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and pour in the chicken broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 3: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir to mix the meat with the broth.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream or cream cheese and add uncooked orzo pasta. Cook on HIGH for an additional 20–30 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Step 5: Add baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker sauce, let the dish sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Cream cheese adds extra tang and creaminess if you prefer it over heavy cream.
Stir occasionally during the final cooking stage to prevent the orzo from sticking.
Substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and skipping Parmesan or using nutritional yeast.
Add red pepper flakes or diced chili with the initial ingredients for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months, though the orzo’s texture may soften slightly. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream and warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

How to Serve

A creamy dish served in a black crockpot shows one layer of shredded white chicken mixed with small pasta pieces that are light beige in color. Scattered throughout are bright green leafy herbs and chunks of sun-dried tomatoes in deep red, adding color contrast. A wooden spoon rests inside the crockpot, partially submerged in the creamy mixture. The dish looks rich and thick with a smooth texture, combining the soft chicken, tender pasta, and fresh greens. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even and safe cooking in the crockpot. Always defrost chicken before cooking.

Can I substitute the orzo with another pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.