Creamy Lemon Garlic Pesto Chicken Orzo

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pesto Chicken Orzo

from healthysweetsandeats
This creamy chicken orzo is one of those recipes that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually does. Everything bakes together in one pan for an easy, high-protein meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner throughout the week. If you’re looking for a simple meal prep that feels comforting but is still packed with protein, you have to try this one.

Ingredients

  • boneless

    skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces

    2 lb
  • regular dry orzo
    16 oz
  • 2% cottage cheese
    1 c
  • plain nonfat Greek yogurt
    ½ c
  • basil pesto
    ½ c
  • Bone Broth
    3 ½ c
  • Parmesan
    ½ c
  • garlic cloves
    3
  • Italian seasoning
    1 tsp
  • onion powder
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • salt (adjust
    ½ tsp
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • fresh lemon juice
    1 tbsp
  • baby spinach
    3 c
  • part-skim mozzarella
    1 c
  • Fresh basil for serving
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 2

    Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, pesto, Parmesan, garlic, seasonings, and lemon juice and zest to a blender and blend until smooth.

  3. 3

    Add water until the mixture makes almost 3 cups.

  4. 4

    Pour the pesto mixture into a large bowl and whisk in the 3 cups of bone broth (you should have 6 cups total).

  5. 5

    Pour the dry orzo into the prepared baking dish.

  6. 6

    Add the blended sauce and stir well to combine.

  7. 7

    Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then nestle the chicken evenly into the orzo mixture.

  8. 8

    Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 45–50 minutes, stirring once around the 25–30 minute mark, until the orzo is tender.

  9. 9

    After 45 minutes, remove foil and stir everything together.

  10. 10

    Fold in the baby spinach until wilted.

  11. 11

    Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top and bake uncovered for 5–8 minutes, or broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

  12. 12

    Let dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pesto Chicken Orzo

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pesto Chicken Orzo

51 min343 cal

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