Description
A rich and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, served over tender orzo pasta. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy days and delivers vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Slow Cooker Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor and locks in juices. This step is optional but recommended.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Sauce: In the slow cooker, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to create a creamy Tuscan sauce base.
- Add the Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they are covered by the creamy mixture for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Set your slow cooker on low heat and cook for 4 hours, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
- Add Orzo Pasta: After 4 hours, open the lid and add the orzo pasta to the slow cooker, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
- Incorporate Spinach and Continue Cooking: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, then replace the lid and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the spinach has wilted.
- Combine and Finalize: Once the orzo is cooked, stir the mixture thoroughly to blend all the ingredients and flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired, adding a fresh and fragrant finish.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor but can be skipped for a quicker prep.
- If you prefer, use dried sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your broth and Parmesan cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Ensure orzo is fully submerged in liquid to prevent uneven cooking.
