Why Make This Recipe
Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the creamy comfort of chicken and orzo pasta with the vibrant flavors of Tuscan ingredients. This recipe is great for busy days because it cooks in a slow cooker, allowing you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. The combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach not only makes it flavorful but also nutritious. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish satisfies cravings and makes leftovers enjoyable.
How to Make Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the orzo and cubed cream cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Cook until the orzo is tender and the cheese is melted, which will take about 25-30 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot straight from the crockpot.
How to Serve Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Serve this dish warm, directly from the crockpot. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread. For a more complete meal, consider adding steamed vegetables or a side of roasted asparagus. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor!
How to Store Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for a few hours before cooking.
- Stir occasionally during the last 30 minutes to ensure even cooking of the orzo.
- To make it lighter, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese alternative.
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also add other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition and color.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an additional hour or two.
2. What can I use instead of orzo pasta?
You can substitute orzo with another small pasta, like ditalini or even rice, though cooking times may vary.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just add them to the crockpot in the morning and set it to cook!
Classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the orzo and cubed cream cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Cook until the orzo is tender and the cheese is melted, which will take about 25-30 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot straight from the crockpot.
