introduction
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a delicious and comforting dish that highlights the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. This dish features tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty orzo pasta, all cooked together in a slow cooker. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese adds a burst of flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
why make this recipe
There are many reasons to love Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for those busy days. Secondly, this dish is flavorful and satisfying, thanks to the perfect blend of ingredients. The creaminess of the heavy cream mixed with the savory chicken and fresh vegetables creates a dish that everyone will enjoy. Additionally, leftovers heat up well, making it a great option for meal prep. Whether you are feeding a family or having friends over, this recipe is sure to impress.
how to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is straightforward and simple. Just follow these steps:
Ingredients :
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano and thyme, then add the chopped baby spinach and uncooked orzo pasta.
- Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the orzo is tender.
- Once done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir everything together before serving.
how to serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Serving Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is easy. Once you have shredded the chicken and combined all the ingredients, you can serve it in bowls. You can garnish with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for added flavor and color. A side of crusty bread or a simple salad would pair well with this dish, making it a complete meal. It is also delicious on its own and can be enjoyed as a comforting lunch or dinner.
how to store Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Leftovers of Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo can be stored easily in the refrigerator. Transfer any unused portions into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick.
tips to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and fresh vegetables will elevate the flavors of this dish. If you can, buy high-quality chicken and fresh spinach to achieve the best results.
Adjust Consistency: If you find that the orzo absorbs too much liquid, feel free to add a little more chicken broth or cream before serving. This will keep the dish creamy and delicious.
Season to Taste: Everyone has different preferences for seasoning. Don’t hesitate to add extra salt, pepper, or even some crushed red pepper for heat.
Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs at the end can brighten up the dish significantly. Consider adding fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
Variations: If you want to customize the recipe, feel free to swap out the orzo pasta for another type of pasta like penne or fusilli. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
variation
You can easily customize Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:
Different Pasta: While orzo works great, you can swap it for another type of pasta, like penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in more veggies for color and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can work wonderfully in this recipe.
Use Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, you could use turkey or even shrimp. If using shrimp, add it in the last hour of cooking to prevent it from getting overcooked.
Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. This will change the flavor slightly but can make the dish a bit healthier.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time. It’s best to cook from frozen on high for about 5-6 hours.
2. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased quantity. You may need to adjust the cooking time as well.
3. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh cherry tomatoes or omit them entirely for a different flavor profile.
4. Can this recipe be made on the stovetop?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot, then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
This dish is not gluten-free because it contains orzo pasta, which is made from wheat. However, you can substitute it with gluten-free pasta if desired.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Description
A comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo dish loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano and thyme, then add the chopped baby spinach and uncooked orzo pasta.
- Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir everything together before serving.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and adjust the consistency by adding more liquid if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, creamy chicken, Tuscan, orzo, pasta, Italian, comfort food, weeknight dinner