One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo
Ingredients
- chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs
boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. provides the lean protein base of the dish and becomes incredibly tender during cooking
- orzo pasta: 1 cup. this rice-shaped pasta cooks beautifully in one pan
absorbing flavors and creating a creamy texture, about 8 ounces
- chicken broth: 2 cups
low sodium. the cooking liquid for the orzo, infusing it with savory chicken flavor and helping to create a light sauce
- pesto: ½ cup
store-bought or homemade basil pesto. the star flavor of the dish, adding herbaceousness, garlic notes, and a vibrant green color
- cherry tomatoes: 1 pint
halved. adds a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the pesto and chicken
- red onion: ½ medium
thinly sliced. provides a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients without being overpowering
- garlic: 3 cloves
minced. essential aromatic that enhances the overall flavor profile and pairs perfectly with pesto and chicken
- olive oil: 2 tablespoons. used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the chicken
adding richness and preventing sticking
- lemon: 1
juiced. fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish to the dish
- parmesan cheese: ¼ cup
grated, plus more for serving. adds a salty, umami flavor and a lovely cheesy finish
- fresh basil: ¼ cup
chopped, for garnish. adds a fresh, aromatic touch and enhances the pesto flavor, optional
- salt and black pepper: to taste. essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and balance the dish
- red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon. adds a subtle kick of heat if you enjoy a little spice
optional
Directions
- 1
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Mince the garlic. Measure out the orzo, chicken broth, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Juice the lemon and chop the fresh basil (if using).
- 2
Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. It’s okay if the chicken is still pink inside at this stage, as it will finish cooking with the orzo.
- 4
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds extra flavor!). Stir in the orzo pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the orzo.
- 5
Stir in Pesto and Finish: Once the orzo is cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat and uncover. Stir in the pesto and lemon juice until everything is well combined and the pesto is evenly distributed. The sauce should be creamy and coating the orzo and chicken.
- 6
Add Parmesan and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped basil (if using) and extra Parmesan cheese.
- 7
Serve Immediately: Serve your One-Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo immediately while it’s hot and flavorful. It’s delicious on its own or with a simple side salad or crusty bread. Enjoy your effortless and delicious weeknight dinner!
One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo
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About this Recipe
Looking for a flavorful, hassle-free dinner that delivers big on taste with minimal cleanup? This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is your answer, bringing together tender chicken, creamy orzo, and vibrant pesto in a single skillet.
The genius of this dish lies in its one-pan approach, where the orzo pasta cooks directly in the savory chicken broth. This allows the pasta to absorb every bit of flavor from the garlic, red onion, and chicken, resulting in an incredibly creamy texture and a deeply integrated taste profile. The combination of herbaceous pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and bright lemon makes every bite a balanced delight.
Prepare for a comforting yet remarkably fresh meal. You'll enjoy tender, succulent pieces of chicken nestled amongst rice-shaped orzo pasta that's infused with rich chicken broth and aromatic pesto. Bursts of sweetness come from the halved cherry tomatoes, beautifully complemented by the subtle bite of red onion and the pungent warmth of garlic. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish, creating a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and zesty notes, all finished with a sprinkle of salty Parmesan cheese. It's a truly satisfying dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to achieve.
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or stir in white beans or chickpeas for added protein. If you prefer a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes to your liking. No cherry tomatoes on hand? Sun-dried tomatoes can offer a more intense, savory sweetness. You can also experiment with different pestos, such as a sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique twist.
Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo makes a complete meal on its own. Serve with an optional garnish of fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan for an elevated touch.