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Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

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Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo – tender chicken, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan cheese come together in this easy crockpot recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)

2 tsp Italian seasoning

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 small onion (diced)

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed drained)

1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

1 cup dry orzo pasta

3 cups fresh baby spinach

1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Salt and black pepper (to taste)

1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place cubed chicken in 6-quart slow cooker. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the minced garlic. Toss to coat.

2. Scatter diced onion, remaining garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes over chicken.

3. Pour chicken broth over everything. Cover and cook on LOW 2.5-3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.

4. Stir in orzo and heavy cream. Cover and cook LOW 20-30 minutes until orzo al dente (stir halfway).

5. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cover 5 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

SEAR FIRST: Brown chicken in skillet before slow cooker for deeper flavor.

NO MUSHY ORZO: Add late and check at 20 minutes.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Chicken thighs (juicier), gluten-free orzo, coconut cream (dairy-free).

STORAGE: Fridge 4 days, freezer 2 months (omit orzo before freezing).

REHEAT: Add broth to loosen creamy sauce.

EQUIPMENT: 6-quart slow cooker recommended.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummyyrecipe.com/slow-cooker-creamy-tuscan-chicken-orzo/