Slow Cooker Pumpkin Squash Orzo with Chicken
A comforting, slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet winter squash, and whole-wheat orzo folded into a rich pumpkin broth. Tender spinach adds a fresh touch at the end for a balanced, hands-off dinner.
Prep
15 min
Cook
240 min
Total
255 min
Makes
6 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Mary + Lila
Mary created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
A steadier pause
Trade food decisions for a clear plan
A straightforward recipe and a satisfying meal can make one part of a busy day feel settled, even when the rest is noisy.
Notice: hunger + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
240 min
Total
255 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Basic kitchen utensils
Time saver
If making ahead for weekly meal prep, keep a splash of broth handy when reheating, as orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Place the chicken thighs
- 01
Place the chicken thighs
Place the chicken thighs, cubed butternut squash, cubed carrots, pumpkin puree, fresh sage, fresh thyme, and chicken broth into the bowl of a slow cooker.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Cover with the lid and cook on…
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours (or HIGH heat for 2 hours) until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are fork-tender.
Look for: the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are fork-tender
Tap card to mark done - 03
Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs using…
Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs using tongs, place them on a cutting board, and shred the meat using two forks.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Stir the uncooked orzo directly into the…
Stir the uncooked orzo directly into the warm liquid inside the slow cooker bowl.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Return the shredded chicken to the slow…
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, re-cover with the lid, and cook on HIGH heat for 20 to 25 minutes until the orzo is tender to the bite.
Look for: the orzo is tender to the bite
Tap card to mark done - 06
Turn off the heat
Turn off the heat, stir in the fresh spinach, and let it stand covered for 3 minutes until the spinach wilts into the pasta.
Look for: the spinach wilts into the pasta
Tap card to mark done - 07
Ladle one portion into a serving bowl
Ladle one portion into a serving bowl, sprinkle optional parmesan cheese over top, and serve warm. Store remaining portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
Made this recipe?
Leave a quick rating or a cooking tip for the next woman.
Your symptoms change. Your plan should too.
One good meal is a start. Your whole week is better.
Tell Lila what you like, what you avoid and which symptoms are loud today. She’ll turn that context into meals, targets and small adjustments that fit real life.
Free to download