Description
Indulge in the delightful One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo, a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant basil pesto, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup. The addition of cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic enhances the dish’s comforting appeal, making it a hit with both kids and adults. In just about 30 minutes, you can prepare a satisfying meal that is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Enjoy this wholesome comfort food as a family dinner or meal prep option, ensuring everyone enjoys a taste of home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ medium red onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: cut chicken into pieces, halve tomatoes, slice onion, mince garlic, measure orzo and broth.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté red onion for 3-4 minutes until soft; then add garlic and optional red pepper flakes for another minute.
- Add chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and brown for about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in orzo and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Remove from heat; stir in pesto and lemon juice until well combined. Add Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg