Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487499H18M33S
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper (to taste); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (diced); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped (not in oil)); ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped); 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again, let me introduce you to your new go-to comfort meal: Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. This dish is a dreamy blend of juicy chicken, tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all cloaked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of weeknight hero that looks and tastes like you spent hours fussing in the kitchen, but actually comes together with little effort, big flavor, and loads of Italian-inspired flair. Whether you’re craving cozy food for a family night or an impressive meal for friends, this recipe always delivers.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of vibrant, flavorful ingredients is the secret to making this casserole-style dish sing. Each component brings something special—whether it’s depth, texture, color, or a little extra zing—so you get a showstopper with very little preparation.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for easy shredding and maximum tenderness in every bite.
Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the dish with classic Tuscan herb notes; dried is easiest for slow cooked dishes.
Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle warm heat that perks up the creamy sauce—adjust to your spice preference!
Salt and pepper: Essential for highlighting the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
Garlic: Four cloves might sound bold, but the slow cooker will mellow and sweeten the garlic beautifully.
Onion: Diced small, it melts down into the sauce and provides natural sweetness and body.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Look for the dry-packed kind, not those in oil, for concentrated flavor with every bite.
Chicken broth: Low sodium is best so you can control the saltiness while adding flavor and moisture.
Heavy cream: Gives the dish its signature luxe creaminess without curdling in the slow cooker.
Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped, it wilts into the sauce for vibrant color and a light earthiness.
Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks to tender perfection right in the slow cooker.
Parmesan cheese: For salty, nutty depth and creamy texture—freshly grated is ideal!

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and nestling them right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and just the right amount of salt and pepper. This generous seasoning ensures every piece of chicken soaks up classic Tuscan flavors from the very start.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Onion, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the seasoned chicken. Chop up those sun-dried tomatoes (go ahead, steal a taste—they’re delicious!) and add them too. These veggies will melt down and create a flavor-packed backbone for the sauce as everything simmers.

Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Gently pour the low-sodium chicken broth over all the other ingredients. This doesn’t just add moisture; it layers in savory richness that will help build the creamy sauce later. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 2–3 hours (or high for 1–1.5 hours), letting the slow, gentle heat work its magic.

Step 4: Add Cream and Orzo

Once the chicken is nearly cooked through (it should be opaque and tender but not quite shredding yet), it’s time to transform the broth into a decadent sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it’s well submerged. Set everything to cook on low for an extra 20–30 minutes. The orzo will plump up and absorb the flavorful liquid, making every spoonful irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Wilt in the Spinach and Stir in Parmesan

As soon as the orzo is tender, toss in the roughly chopped spinach and a generous handful of grated Parmesan. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce, creating the ultimate Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo experience. Give it a taste, tweak the seasoning if needed, and then you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with a shower of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley, or even a twist of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil can add a touch of luxury, too. These little finishing touches brighten up the creamy, savory base and make the dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This all-in-one meal really needs little else, but if you want to round out the table, try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for something fresh and bright. Crusty Italian bread or warm garlic knots are wonderful for scooping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or holiday spread, consider serving Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo in individual bowls with a swirl of pesto and toasted pine nuts on top. If you’ve got leftovers, stuff them into halved roasted bell peppers or spoon the orzo filling into hollowed-out bread rolls for a satisfying lunch or appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo may absorb more sauce as it sits, but the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the sauce from separating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the mixture looks thick or dry. The microwave works in a pinch! Just be sure to reheat in short bursts and keep it covered, stirring between intervals until hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add a touch more richness to Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo and are just as delicious. The cooking times remain the same—just chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Will the cream curdle in the slow cooker?

No worries here. Since the cream is added toward the end, it warms gently without boiling, which helps keep the sauce smooth, creamy, and luscious without any curdling.

Can I substitute the orzo with another pasta?

Small pastas like ditalini or macaroni can be swapped in if you don’t have orzo on hand, though you may need to watch the cooking time and liquid ratio. Orzo is great because it cooks quickly and soaks up flavors perfectly in the slow cooker.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for diced mushrooms (portobellos work well) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all the creamy, Tuscan-inspired flavor with a satisfying bite!

Is this dish gluten free?

Traditional orzo contains wheat, but you can use gluten-free orzo or a small rice-shaped gluten-free pasta instead. Just check the package directions and adjust the cook time if needed.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how easy and delicious it is to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo at home—no special skills required, just a bit of prep and a lot of anticipation as your kitchen fills with amazing aromas. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and share it with those you love. There’s nothing better than bringing comfort and flavor to your table, one creamy spoonful at a time!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful slow cooker recipe for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and orzo pasta, all seasoned to perfection.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Add Garlic, Onion, and Tomatoes: Scatter garlic and onion over the chicken, add sun-dried tomatoes.
Pour in Liquids: Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-1.5 hours.
Add Cream and Orzo: If chicken is nearly done, add heavy cream and orzo. Cook on low for 20-30 minutes until orzo is tender.
Final Steps: Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese until wilted and melted.
Taste and Serve: Adjust seasonings and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian