Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Zucchini Orzo

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Zucchini Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 medium zucchini, grated; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and black pepper to taste

This comforting dinner pairs tender chicken meatballs with a silky, veggie packed orzo that the whole family will love.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· August 19, 2026

Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Zucchini Orzo

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

3 hours 30 minutes

Total

3 hours 45 minutes

Serves

There is something so cozy about a meal that comes together in the slow cooker. These chicken meatballs turn out juicy and full of flavor, making them a perfect staple for busy weeknights when you want a home cooked dinner without standing over the stove all night.

My favorite thing about this recipe is how the zucchini melts right into the cheesy orzo. It is a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens while enjoying a bowl of pure comfort food that feels like a big hug.

🧺 Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 medium zucchini, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, and oregano until combined.
2
Shape the mixture into small, bite sized meatballs and place them into the bottom of your slow cooker.
3
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and cook on low for 3 hours.
4
About 30 minutes before serving, stir the dry orzo, chicken broth, and grated zucchini into the slow cooker.
5
Continue cooking on high until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper before serving warm.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the sauce gets a little thick after chilling, just add a splash of broth or water when you reheat it on the stove to bring the creaminess back.

#dinner #chicken #easy dinner #pasta #slow cooker

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