Slow Cooker Chicken Orzo Pasta
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta all in one pot. Ideal for a hands-off dinner that delivers rich flavors and a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery on top of the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth and water.
Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
After 3 hours, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the orzo pasta and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the chopped baby spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
Mix well and cook uncovered on low for 5 more minutes to wilt the spinach and blend flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve warm.