This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo recipe delivers a weeknight-friendly, comfort-food dinner with tender chicken, velvety cream, sun-dried tomato brightness, and tender orzo. It’s a dump-and-go slow cooker meal that finishes with fresh spinach and Parmesan for a rich, restaurant-style result at home.
Why you’ll love it
- Hands-off slow cooker method — prep in 15 minutes, come home to dinner.
- Creamy, savory sauce made with heavy cream (or lighter swaps) and Parmesan.
- Orzo soaks up flavor for a one-pot, family-friendly meal.
- Flexible — easy to adapt for gluten-free, lower-fat, or vegetarian versions.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
- 1/2–1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3/4–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, brightens flavors)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional — for searing)
Slow cooker method (step-by-step)
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. If you want extra depth, quickly sear both sides in a hot skillet with a little olive oil (2–3 minutes per side) before adding to the slow cooker.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, or on HIGH for 1–1.5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- When the chicken is nearly done, shred or chop it in the slow cooker (or remove, shred, then return to the pot).
- Stir in the heavy cream and orzo. Cover and cook on LOW for 20–30 minutes more, checking after 15 minutes so the orzo doesn’t overcook.
- Stir in the fresh spinach, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Season to taste and serve warm with extra grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Tips for a perfectly creamy sauce
- Add the orzo near the end — cooking it from the start can make it mushy. Add when the chicken is nearly finished.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: it melts better and gives a silkier sauce than pre-grated cheese.
- If the sauce is too thin after reheating, simmer the dish uncovered briefly on the stovetop or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end.
- If you prefer lighter, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt (temper it first by whisking in a bit of hot liquid to prevent curdling).
Variations & substitutions
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free orzo (or substitute with rice or cauliflower rice).
- Vegetarian: replace chicken with white beans or firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Low-carb: skip the orzo and serve the Tuscan chicken over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
- Flavor boosts: finish with fresh basil, thyme, or a splash of white wine when sautéing onions for deeper flavor (see similar approaches at Allrecipes’ Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for inspiration Allrecipes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta).
Make-ahead and storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat; stir in a splash of broth if sauce thickened.
- Freeze without orzo for up to 2 months; add fresh orzo when reheating to prevent texture issues.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Add roasted vegetables or a side of garlic green beans for extra color and texture.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a little lemon zest for brightness.
Nutrition notes
- This dish is rich and calorie-dense when made with heavy cream and full-fat cheese. Use lighter dairy swaps, lean chicken, and extra veggies to reduce calories and boost fiber.
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting, hands-off dinner that delivers rich, restaurant-style flavors with minimal effort. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a silky Parmesan cream, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Try the tips above—add the orzo late, use freshly grated Parmesan, and finish with lemon or fresh herbs—to get the best texture and brightness. When you make it, share how it turned out on Megan Meals: —