Some recipes just get you. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is that dish. It’s creamy, cozy, full of flavor, and practically cooks itself while you tackle life (or just scroll in peace). Imagine tender shredded chicken, silky orzo pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes all swimming in a garlicky parmesan cream sauce.
Whether you’re a weekday warrior or just someone who hates doing dishes (same), this slow cooker dinner is a winner. One pot. One stir. One bite and you’re hooked.
It’s the answer to “what’s for dinner?” that doesn’t require an answer until dinnertime.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- No need to pre-sear anything just toss it all in and let your slow cooker work its magic
- Comforting, creamy, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors
- The orzo cooks right in the pot no boiling, draining, or babysitting required
- Works great with chicken breasts or thighs, and you can even make a slow cooker orzo vegetarian version
- Inspired by the creamy elegance of Nigella chicken orzo slow cooker recipes, but weeknight friendly
Dinner, done without the chaos.
What You’ll Need
This one’s got all the best players:
Boneless chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, orzo, and a combo of chicken broth and cream. Parmesan takes it to next-level comfort food territory.
You can easily adapt it with mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, or swap the chicken with chickpeas for extra fiber.
The full ingredient list with measurements is available in the recipe card right below this article.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Add Everything But the Orzo
In your slow cooker, add chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, broth, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it up and cover.
Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks. This keeps all those juicy bits right where they belong flavor central.
Step 3: Stir in the Orzo and Cream
Add the uncooked orzo and heavy cream to the pot. Give it a good stir and make sure the pasta is submerged.
Wondering how long to cook orzo in the slow cooker on high? Set your timer for 20–30 minutes on high. Stir halfway through to make sure nothing sticks.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Cheese
Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and grated parmesan. Let it sit for a few minutes with the lid on so the spinach wilts and everything gets creamy and luscious.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated)
- Calories per serving: ~510
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: Rich from parmesan and cream
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time (low): 5 hours
- Cook time (high): 3 hours total
- Orzo cooking time: 20–30 minutes (added at the end)
- Total time: 5–6 hours
Tips for Success
- Want a one-pot Marry Me chicken orzo slow cooker feel? Add a touch of chili flakes and fresh basil before serving
- Make it richer with a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of white wine in the sauce
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half
- Stir orzo once or twice to prevent clumping this helps with how long to cook orzo in slow cooker without it getting mushy
- Double the batch it reheats beautifully!
How to Serve It
This dish is perfect straight from the slow cooker into deep bowls. Garnish with extra parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy.
Pair it with roasted veggies, a crisp side salad, or buttery garlic bread to soak up every last creamy bite. Bonus points if there’s a glass of chilled pinot grigio nearby.
Storing, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring it back to creamy heaven.
Want to freeze it? Yes, but do it before you add the spinach and cheese for best texture. Reheat gently, then add those fresh ingredients when you’re ready to serve.
Make-ahead tip: Prep the first step the night before (minus the cream and orzo), pop it in the fridge, and start it the next morning. Dinner = ready when you walk in the door.
Kitchen Story Time
The first time I made this, I was juggling back-to-back Zoom meetings, a teething toddler, and a broken dishwasher. I tossed everything into the slow cooker, said a prayer to the dinner gods, and hoped for the best.
By 6 p.m., the house smelled like an Italian bistro, and everyone ate without complaints (even the toddler, who I suspect thought it was mac and cheese). Now it’s on regular dinner repeat.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Orzo Recipes
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to add about 1 extra hour of cook time on low to ensure it’s safe and fully cooked before shredding.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamy texture without heavy cream, try half-and-half or cream cheese.
How long to cook orzo in slow cooker on high?
Usually 20–30 minutes. Keep the lid on, and give it one stir halfway through for perfect tenderness.
Can I make this without chicken for a vegetarian version?
Totally! Sub in mushrooms, canned chickpeas, or white beans, and use vegetable broth. You’ve got yourself a cozy slow cooker orzo vegetarian meal.
Is orzo the same as rice?
Nope! Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta. It cooks faster than most pastas and absorbs flavor like a dream.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, arugula, or chopped baby Swiss chard work well. You can even use frozen spinach just thaw and squeeze out extra liquid first.
Can I double this for a crowd?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and add 15 extra minutes to the orzo cook time to accommodate the extra volume.
What pasta substitutes can I use?
Small shapes like ditalini or mini shells could work, but watch the timing larger pastas take longer and may not cook evenly in a slow cooker.
The Final Scoop
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is everything you want in a weeknight meal: easy, rich, flavorful, and totally family-approved. Whether you’re exploring new orzo slow cooker recipes, looking for that next creamy chicken orzo slow cooker dish, or simply want to feel like Nigella with minimal effort this recipe delivers.
Scroll down for the full recipe card with measurements and step-by-step directions.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Place chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir in orzo and heavy cream. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Once the orzo is tender, stir in the spinach and parmesan. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until spinach is wilted.