Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious

Looking for a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious? Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo is the ultimate answer to busy weeknights. It only takes 10 minutes of prep time before your slow cooker takes over, delivering a creamy, savory meal you’ll want to make again and again. Think juicy chicken, tender orzo, and sun-dried tomatoes in a Parmesan cream sauce—sounds fancy, but it’s dead simple.

Trust me, this is one of those dishes that feels like a “special night in” meal with none of the fuss. Instead of watching the stove, you’ll let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you handle everything else on your to-do list. And the best part? This dish is done in just over 3 hours, start to finish. Let’s make dinnertime stress-free.

Why This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work. You barely need to lift a finger!
• One-pot convenience: Fewer dishes? Yes, please. You cook everything—chicken, sauce, orzo—in the same pot.
• Rich flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan pack this dish with bold, savory taste that elevates a weeknight dinner.
• Customizable: Sub in gluten-free pasta or use spinach alternatives if you need a tweak.
• Time-saving power: Traditional Tuscan chicken recipes take over an hour on the stovetop. This version shaves that down dramatically while staying just as flavorful.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo

Your trusty slow cooker is the hero of this dish. If you don’t already own one, look for a 4- to 6-quart model—it’s the perfect size for this recipe. Make sure yours has a LOW setting for gentle, even cooking of the chicken and orzo.

Pro tip: To keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom, give the inner pot a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray before adding the ingredients. If you prefer budget gear, brands like Crockpot or Hamilton Beach make great affordable models. Trust me, once you’ve mastered dishes like this, you’ll use your slow cooker all the time!

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo

This dish keeps things simple, but each ingredient brings something to the table. Here are the stars:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I like to cube them into uniform, ¾-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Orzo: A quick-cooking pasta shaped like rice that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. Gluten-free or rice options work too!
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These add sweet, tangy pops of flavor. Use bagged or jarred varieties (drained and patted dry if packed in oil).
• Heavy cream: For that creamy finish. Half-and-half or whole milk works if you want to lighten it up.

Grab these simple pantry staples, and you’re all set for a meal that delivers big flavor.

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo Recipe Details

• Servings: 5 (5 cups)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes

Ingredients for Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo

• 1 lb raw boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cubed (about ¾-inch pieces)
• 1¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ⅓ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk
• 1 cup (6 ounces) dry orzo pasta
• 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ¾ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves

How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo

1. To a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, add cubed chicken breast, broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
2. Stir in heavy cream and orzo. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30–45 minutes, or until orzo is tender and al dente.
3. Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on LOW for another 5–10 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your perfect consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo

• Prep ahead: Cube the chicken and measure dry ingredients the night before.
• Double it up: This reheats beautifully, so make extra to enjoy as leftovers or freeze for later meals.
• Cream swaps: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option—it’s just as rich and flavorful!
• Play with add-ins: Toss in mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted red peppers to mix it up.
• Reheat gently: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep the orzo creamy.

Easy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo Variations

• Gluten-free: Swap the orzo for uncooked rice or frozen cauliflower rice. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Veggie-packed: Add chopped zucchini or bell peppers halfway through cooking for more greens.
• Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dollop of chili paste for some heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without cream?

Absolutely! Swap it out for whole milk, coconut cream, or even cashew cream for a lighter dish.

What if I don’t have orzo?

You can use rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture.

If you give this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo a try, I’d love to hear how it worked for you! Drop a comment below or share your dinner success story. Let’s make weeknight cooking simple and delicious together.