Dinner

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490469H59M13S
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

ByRita Bennet December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

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Introduction

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that makes dinner effortless. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tender orzo come together with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for a delightful Italian-inspired dish.

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with creamy, cheesy pasta that has a smooth, rich texture. Several pieces of browned chicken are mixed in, surrounded by wilted dark green spinach leaves and strips of sun-dried tomatoes that add a deep red color contrast. The pasta is coated evenly with a thick sauce that has a light yellow-beige color. A gold fork rests on the side of the bowl, placed over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tsp Italian seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
1 cup heavy cream

4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the slow cooker along with minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth.

Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and creamy.

Step 5: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Swap orzo with small pasta like acini di pepe or ditalini if preferred.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

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 chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A white round pan filled with a creamy dish that has a thick texture, showing a mix of orange and light brown colors. Pieces of cooked chicken are layered inside, with some green leafy herbs scattered on top. There is a wooden spoon resting on the pan, partially covered in the sauce. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and avoid prolonging the cooking time. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time but check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or omit them altogether. Fresh cherry tomatoes can also add freshness but won’t have the same concentrated flavor.