One-Pan Chicken Pesto Orzo

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1/2 cup prepared pesto - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste In this dish, chicken is the star. It gives protein and heartiness. For the pasta, orzo works great. It cooks fast and soaks up flavors well. Pesto adds a burst of herb taste. You can choose to add Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add color and fresh flavor. Seasonings are simple yet essential. Garlic powder gives a nice depth. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors. With these ingredients, you create a quick and delicious meal. Each bite is flavorful and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the olive oil First, take a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. This step brings out the flavor in the oil. - Seasoning and browning chicken Next, cut 1 pound of chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir until the chicken is browned and cooked through. - Combining ingredients Once the chicken is done, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pan. Stir it well to mix with the chicken. This helps the pasta soak up all the flavors. - Cooking process for orzo Now, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The orzo should absorb most of the liquid and become tender. - Stirring in vegetables After the orzo is cooked, it’s time to add some color. Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of baby spinach. Then add 1/2 cup of prepared pesto. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The spinach will wilt and everything will heat through. - Serving suggestions Remove the pan from heat. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your one-pan chicken pesto orzo! To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This method helps avoid undercooked meat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows for even cooking and quick browning. For perfect orzo consistency, cook the pasta until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Stir the orzo often while it cooks to prevent sticking. If it seems dry, add more chicken broth as needed. Try different types of pesto for variety. Sun-dried tomato pesto adds a rich flavor. You can also use walnut pesto for a nutty twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish. Consider adding other seasonings to enhance the flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a spicy kick. Lemon juice can add freshness and balance the richness of the pesto. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This adds a nice touch to the meal. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a gourmet look. Serve this dish attractively in bowls. This makes it easy for family or guests to enjoy. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Cook Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking. This helps them brown nicely and cook through at the same rate. Perfect Pesto Incorporation: For a burst of flavor, add the pesto at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and fresh taste. Texture Balance: Consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast against the creamy orzo. Fresh Herbs: Don't skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a refreshing aroma and enhances the dish's overall flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Shrimp works well with the orzo. Just add shrimp when the chicken is done. Cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu is another great option. Use firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Sauté it in the oil until golden brown. This gives a nice texture and flavor. For a vegetarian meal, skip the meat. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. The type of pesto can change the taste a lot. Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a rich flavor. You can also use a spicy pesto for some heat. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro can give a fresh twist. You can include other vegetables too. Zucchini or broccoli can add crunch and color. Just add them when you add the cherry tomatoes. This way, they cook just right without becoming mushy. This meal pairs well with light salads. A simple arugula salad works great. The peppery greens balance the rich orzo. You could also serve it with crusty bread. This helps soak up the extra sauce. For sides, try roasted vegetables. They add a nice charred flavor. You could also serve a fruit salad for a refreshing touch. This meal is all about balance and flavor, so mix and match what you love! To keep your chicken pesto orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can put it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before you seal the container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great choice. Scoop the orzo into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as you can. It will stay good for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of broth to help revive the flavors. To save time, you can prep some ingredients ahead. Chop the chicken, tomatoes, and spinach a day or two in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can whip up this dish in no time. You can also use leftovers in salads or wraps. The chicken pesto orzo makes a great filling for a quick lunch! Yes, you can make One-Pan Chicken Pesto Orzo vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use tofu or chickpeas. They add protein and keep it filling. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the pesto for great flavor. To customize the flavors, try different pestos. You can use sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto. Adding fresh herbs boosts the taste. Try fresh parsley or cilantro for a twist. You can also use lemon zest for brightness or chili flakes for heat. Absolutely! You can use any small pasta like couscous or quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Make sure it cooks well in the broth. This keeps your dish tasty and fun. This dish combines chicken, orzo, and pesto for a tasty meal. You can use optional ingredients like parmesan and fresh basil for extra flavor. Following the step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to cook the chicken and orzo perfectly. Tips and tricks enhance both the taste and presentation. Don't forget the variations, which let you customize your dish with other proteins and flavors. Finally, proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this easy, customizable recipe!$

One-Pan Chicken Pesto Orzo

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken, orzo, and pesto, perfect for a quick dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach
0.5 cup prepared pesto
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is done, add the orzo to the pan, stirring to combine with the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and prepared pesto. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.

Notes

Add more vegetables or adjust seasonings to taste.

Keyword chicken, one-pan meal, orzo, pesto