Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486493H51M36S
Total time: PT-486493H51M36S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp basil); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley for garnish

I love making this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo because it delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Tender chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and creamy sauce blend beautifully with orzo for a cozy, satisfying one-pot meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how hands-free it is—just toss the ingredients in the crock pot, set the timer, and go about my day. The slow cooking deepens the flavors, while the final stir brings the perfect creamy texture. It’s ideal for busy evenings or when I want a comforting dish without fussing in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
orzo pasta
sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
minced garlic
onion, finely chopped
chicken broth
heavy cream or half-and-half
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh baby spinach leaves
Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, basil)
salt and pepper
optional: red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Place chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes into the crock pot.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Pour in chicken broth and stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours (or high for 2–3 hours) until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in orzo, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Re-cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust salt or pepper.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Makes 6 servings in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours on low (or 2–3 hours on high), plus 20–30 minutes for the orzo at the end.

Variations

Protein swap: Use boneless, skinless turkey breasts or chicken tenders just as easily.
Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth.
Extra veggies: Stir in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the final orzo step.
Cheesy twist: Mix in shredded mozzarella or fontina along with Parmesan for extra creaminess.
Spicy option: Add chopped roasted red peppers and a dash of smoked paprika for depth.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions until warmed through or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. For freezing, I cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes—I add about 1 extra hour to the slow cooking time (on low) when using frozen chicken breasts. I always check for an internal temperature of 165 °F before shredding.

Will regular pasta work instead of orzo?

You can use small pasta like ditalini or small shells, but I may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio. Keep an eye on doneness during the final pasta step.

Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely—pressure cook the chicken, broth, garlic, onion, and tomatoes on high for 10 minutes, quick-release, shred the chicken, then stir in orzo, cream, and cheese. Use the sauté function for the pasta step until thickened.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, I substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream and use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. It turns out rich and creamy.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

I stir it in after shredding the chicken and make sure there’s enough liquid. I also stir halfway through the pasta cooking stage for best results.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is one of my favorite cozy, hands-off dinners. It hits all the right notes—tender chicken, creamy sauce, and comforting pasta—all with minimal effort. I hope it becomes a go-to in my dinner rotation—and yours too!