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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.4 from 436 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich and flavorful slow cooker meal combining tender chicken breasts, aromatic garlic and onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce with spinach and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s an easy, comforting, and satisfying dinner perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 1 cup sun dried tomatoes (chopped, not in oil)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)

Liquids & Dairy

  • ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to infuse it with flavor.
  2. Add Aromatics and Veggies: Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the seasoned chicken. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to provide a burst of savory-sweet flavor that complements the chicken.
  3. Pour in Chicken Broth and Cook: Gently pour the low sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or use the high setting for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  4. Add Cream and Orzo: When the chicken is almost done, stir in the heavy cream and orzo pasta. Continue cooking on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and the Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the luscious creamy sauce, creating a rich, flavorful dish.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For added depth, you can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil but reduce added broth slightly.
  • Make sure not to overcook the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger portions; just increase cooking time slightly if needed.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-orzo-recipe/