One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, then you’ve come to the right place! This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It brings together tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant pesto in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish will surely become a staple in your home.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. You can have everything cooked in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time spent enjoying your meal with loved ones. Plus, the flavors are so rich and satisfying that everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan magic: This dish is cooked entirely in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
• Quick and easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip up dinner in about 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy texture and delicious flavors.
• Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead of time and reheat for an effortless lunch or dinner.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of pesto, chicken, and tomatoes creates a burst of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet wholesome, making this dish both nourishing and delightful. Gather them all up for a fantastic meal!

• 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 (about 8 ounces). This rice-shaped pasta cooks beautifully in one pan, absorbing flavors and creating a creamy texture.
• 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 (optional). Adds a fresh aromatic touch and enhances the pesto flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors and balance the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Adds a subtle kick of heat if you enjoy a little spice.

Variations

This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using diced turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
• Change up the herbs: If basil isn’t your favorite, consider using spinach pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto instead!
• Make it dairy-free: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep it creamy while avoiding dairy.

How to Make One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Halve those sweet cherry tomatoes—these little gems add such brightness! Slice up your red onion thinly to ensure it softens nicely during cooking. Don’t forget to mince your garlic; it’s going to pack some flavor! Measure out everything else so you’re ready when it’s time to cook.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

Heat olive oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat—this step is crucial because it helps build that wonderful base flavor! Add in your sliced red onion first; sauté until they soften up beautifully—about 3-4 minutes should do it! Then toss in that minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you like some heat; cook just until fragrant so we don’t burn those precious garlic cloves!

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Next up is our star player—add those chicken pieces into the skillet! Season them with salt and black pepper as they cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown on all sides but still slightly undercooked inside; don’t worry—this will change once we add in our orzo!

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in your low-sodium chicken broth while scraping any browned bits from the pan—this adds tons of flavor! Stir in your orzo pasta alongside those halved cherry tomatoes; bring it all to a boil before reducing heat low enough to cover tightly with either foil or lid! Let it simmer gently for around 15-20 minutes until that orzo is cooked through—remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 5: Stir in Pesto and Finish

Once you see that lovely creamy consistency forming from our cooked orzo—it’s time! Remove from heat before stirring in both pesto sauce along with fresh lemon juice until everything looks well combined; this gives us that delightful coating we crave!

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Serve

Now comes my favorite part—adding grated Parmesan cheese into our warm mixture! Give it another taste test here; adjust seasoning as needed before garnishing generously with fresh basil if using plus extra cheese on top!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Your One-Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is ready at last! Serve immediately while hot because nothing beats enjoying this delightful dish fresh out of the pan—pairing wonderfully with either crusty bread or perhaps even salad on side if desired! Enjoy every bite knowing how effortlessly delicious dinner can be!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Cooking can be a breeze with the right techniques, and these tips will help you make the most of your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo!

• Prep Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking saves time and reduces stress. It allows you to focus on the cooking process and ensures that everything comes together smoothly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic, basil, and seasonal tomatoes. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavors but also brighten up the dish visually.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: Every brand of orzo may absorb liquid differently. Keep an eye on the pot while it simmers; if it seems too dry before the orzo is fully cooked, add a splash more chicken broth or water to keep it creamy.
• Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Adding a pinch of Italian herbs or lemon zest can elevate the flavor profile even more.
• Make it a Meal Prep Star: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep. Just divide leftovers into individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week!

How to Serve One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Serving your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful of whole leaves scattered on top adds a pop of color and reinforces the fresh basil flavor in the pesto.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan just before serving enhances the cheesy goodness and makes for an appealing presentation.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the orzo perfectly. The crunch and freshness provide a nice contrast.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the orzo while adding a comforting touch to your meal.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings vibrant color and nutrition alongside your dish. Plus, its subtle crunch pairs well with the creamy orzo.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots in olive oil and roast them in the oven. Their caramelized sweetness enhances the overall flavor experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week without any hassle. Preparing this dish in advance can save you time and ensure you have a satisfying meal ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the orzo and chicken mixture to cool completely.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring between intervals.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe or its preparation, you’re not alone!

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo for the One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo?

Yes! While orzo works beautifully, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I make my One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding additional herbs like thyme or oregano when cooking. You can also try different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula, for a unique twist!

What should I serve with One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo?

This dish is delightful on its own but pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try making this One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo! It’s not just easy and quick but also packed with flavor and comfort. Enjoy every bite as you create wonderful mealtime memories. Happy cooking!