Description
A comforting and creamy slow-cooked Tuscan chicken and orzo dish perfect for busy weeknights, featuring rich cream cheese, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (about 180g)
- 3 cups baby spinach (about 90g)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (about 50g, preferably packed in oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese (about 113g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (600ml)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the orzo evenly over the top without stirring.
- Spoon the sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomato mixture over the orzo and broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours until chicken is tender and orzo is cooked. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Fold in baby spinach and allow it to wilt.
- Give everything a good stir, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
[‘Sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes enhances flavor and softens raw garlic bite.’, ‘Use full-fat cream cheese for best creamy texture; low-fat versions may separate.’, ‘Avoid lifting the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.’, ‘Shred chicken thoroughly for even distribution.’, ‘Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes sharper than pre-grated.’, ‘Check orzo doneness around 2 hours and then every 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.’, ‘Let cream cheese come to room temperature before adding for easier blending.’, ‘Can substitute kale for spinach (add 30 minutes before end of cooking).’, ‘Can swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.’, ‘For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives.’, ‘Orzo can be substituted with small pasta shapes or quinoa for gluten-free option.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 generous bow
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker, orzo pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach