Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo emerges as a comforting Italian-inspired dish packed with rich flavors and tender ingredients. Mediterranean herbs and velvety sauce invite home cooks to savor a simple yet elegant meal that brings warmth to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup (70 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Liquid:
- 1 ½ cups (270 grams) uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Infuse the chicken with aromatic spices by generously coating the breasts with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Quickly sear the seasoned chicken in a sizzling skillet with olive oil, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in rich flavors. This caramelization step enhances the dish’s depth but can be omitted for time-pressed cooks.
- Carefully nestle the seared chicken into the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base. Pour in diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant chicken broth, and velvety heavy cream. Gently mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Allow the chicken to simmer and tenderize on low heat for 4-6 hours until it reaches perfect doneness. Using two forks, delicately shred the chicken directly within the slow cooker, letting it mingle with the creamy sauce.
- Introduce orzo pasta and fresh spinach leaves into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until the orzo becomes perfectly al dente and the spinach wilts. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Plate the dish with an artistic flourish, garnishing with fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant, aromatic finish that elevates the entire culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize seasoning by using fresh garlic instead of powder for a more vibrant, authentic taste.
- Prevent orzo from becoming mushy by adding it later in the cooking process and checking texture frequently.
- Transform the dish into a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for dietary alternatives.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by searing chicken and preparing ingredients the night before, allowing for quick morning assembly in the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg