Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo is an easy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender slow-cooked chicken, creamy sauce enriched with heavy cream or cream cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender orzo pasta, fresh baby spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this Italian-American dish merges bold Mediterranean flavors with effortless slow cooker convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or 8 oz cream cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Grains
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Base: Place the raw chicken (whole or chopped) into the crockpot. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and pour in the chicken broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Cover and cook the mixture on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded meat into the broth and aromatics to combine flavors thoroughly.
- Add Cream and Orzo: Stir in the heavy cream or dollops of cream cheese until melted and incorporated. Add the uncooked orzo pasta, then cook on HIGH for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish With Greens and Cheese: Add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve Warm: Spoon the Tuscan chicken orzo into bowls. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese on top and a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, allow the dish to sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving to let excess liquid evaporate.
- If you prefer, use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for extra tang and richness.
- Stir occasionally during the final 30 minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the crockpot.
- Use thawed chicken for even cooking in the crockpot; avoid using frozen chicken.
- You can substitute orzo with small pasta like ditalini or even rice, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- To make the dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, Tuscan orzo, easy dinner, slow cooker recipes, creamy chicken, comfort food
