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Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and easy dish that's perfect for any day of the week. With tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it's a full meal that cooks itself in your slow cooker.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 594 kcal
Course:
Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped (not in oil)
- ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and season them with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- Scatter the minced garlic and diced onion over the chicken. Add the sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Gently pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-1.5 hours.
- Check the chicken for doneness. If it's nearly done, add the heavy cream and orzo. Cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Adjust seasonings as needed and serve hot.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both work well, but thighs might offer more moisture and flavor.
- Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: This adds flavor without extra oiliness.
- Watch the Orzo: To prevent mushiness, check it towards the end of cooking. Add it later if you prefer it firmer.
- Opt for Lighter Cream Options: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or light cream for a less rich sauce.
- Add Spinach at the End: This keeps it fresh and colorful.
- Refresh When Reheating: Add a bit of broth or water to the leftovers to rejuvenate the sauce.
- Freeze for Later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
594kcal
(30%)
Carbohydrates
50g
(17%)
Protein
33g
(66%)
Fat
31g
(48%)
Saturated Fat
18g
(90%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
120mg
(40%)
Sodium
532mg
(22%)
Potassium
1429mg
(41%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
14g
(28%)
Vitamin A
2077IU
(42%)
Vitamin C
16mg
(18%)
Calcium
403mg
(40%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 594
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 594kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 532mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 1429mg | 30% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 2077IU | 42% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 403mg | 40% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.