Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Orzo
A one-pot wonder combining tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs in a creamy orzo pasta sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 480
- Total Time: 500
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Boneless chicken thighs (500g)
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup)
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
Salt (1 tsp)
Black pepper (1/2 tsp)
Fresh spinach (2 cups)
Orzo pasta (1 1/2 cups uncooked)
Milk (2 cups, whole or 2%)
Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
Olive oil (1 tbsp, optional for sautéing)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet (if using). Sauté garlic, add chicken and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 5-7 minutes.
Transfer mixture to slow cooker. Add milk, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir in orzo pasta and cover.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Toss in fresh spinach, let sit 5 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast and heavy cream with coconut milk.
Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s temperature.
Chicken thighs ensure tender meat; you can use breasts if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tuscan-chicken-orzo/