Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and orzo simmer together with sun-dried tomatoes and cream to create a rich, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- Chicken (about 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken, orzo, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Pour the heavy cream over the ingredients and stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Step 4: Stir well before serving to mix the creamy sauce evenly.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle in some garlic powder or Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Use fresh spinach or kale stirred in during the last 30 minutes for extra greens.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check doneness earlier to prevent the cream from curdling.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time if needed, as thighs can cook slightly faster.
Do I need to pre-cook the orzo before adding it?
No, you can add the orzo directly to the slow cooker. It will cook along with the chicken and liquid, absorbing flavors and creating a creamy texture.
PrintCreamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo in the Slow Cooker Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection with orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for an effortless dinner, this dish combines creamy textures with savory notes, all made easy by the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil, drained)
Creamy Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add ingredients: Stir together the orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the orzo is tender. The sauce should thicken to a creamy consistency during this time.
- Finish with cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to combine and let the cheese melt into the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken and orzo hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if available.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative, though sauce will be less thick.
- Adding fresh spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking can add extra nutrients and flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add richer flavor and texture, but dried sun-dried tomatoes can also be rehydrated and used.
- Stir gently after adding Parmesan cheese to avoid breaking up the chicken too much.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken recipe, Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken and orzo, one-pot meal, easy slow cooker dinner
