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Slow Cooker Tuscan Style Orzo
Comfort food at its finest. You can easily make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken, still as tasty, I can already tell Iâll be making this one more often.
SERVES
4
CALORIES
589
COOKING TIME
4 hours
DIFFICULTY
simple
Looking for a delicious and easy meal? Try this Slow Cooker Tuscan Style Orzo recipe from Bored of Lunch. With minimal effort and maximum flavour, itâs a comforting, one-pot meal that everyone will love. Discover more slow cooker recipes here.
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
You can substitute regular pasta for orzo in a slow cooker orzo recipe, but the texture and cooking time may vary. Orzo is a small pasta that absorbs liquid well, making it ideal for slow cooking. If using larger pasta, add it later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and becoming too soft.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Frozen spinach works well in slow cooker orzo dishes. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid excess water diluting the flavour. You can stir it in during the last 10â15 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
Should I cook the orzo separately or add it directly to the slow cooker?
For a true slow cooker orzo dish, add the orzo directly to the slow cooker during the last 20â30 minutes of cooking. This prevents it from overcooking and turning mushy. If you prefer firmer orzo, you can cook it separately and stir it in just before serving.
How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?
To keep slow cooker orzo from becoming mushy, add it towards the end of the cooking process (typically the last 20â30 minutes) and keep checking every 5-10 minutes until fully cooked.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Slow Cooker Tuscan Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3â4 days. The orzo may absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Tuscan Orzo?
Yes, you can freeze slow cooker orzo, but keep in mind that orzo tends to soften when frozen and reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a little stock/broth or water to refresh the texture.
Whatâs the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat slow cooker orzo, add a splash of broth or water and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
Method
Step 1
Cut up your chicken into small chunks and pop into the slow cooker with chopped onion, sundried tomatoes, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, handful of fresh basil, oregano, and 300ml chicken stock.
Step 2
Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours then add your orzo and 600ml of chicken stock. Cook for another 45-50 minutes.
Step 3
When done, add 3 tbsp light cream cheese, handful of basil and stir. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach is withered and then serve in bowls with some parmesan cheese.
Step 4
If reheating later, add a dash of water to loosen the orzo up.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 onion (diced)
100g of sundried tomatoes
Handful of fresh basil
300ml chicken stock
When cooked:
600ml chicken stock
230g orzo pasta
When serving, stir in:
3 tbsp cream cheese, low fat (I use Philadalphia)
Handful of fresh spinach
50g Parmesan cheese, to serve
