Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite go-to meals: One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo! This dish is not just simple; it’s bursting with flavor and is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. Imagine tender chicken cooked to golden perfection, mixed with creamy, dreamy pesto orzo and juicy cherry tomatoes, all in one pan—less mess, more yum! I love how this meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this one to your regular rotation! It’s a delightful combination of comforting Italian flavors, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try!
Ingredients List
Gather up these delicious ingredients to make your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo. I promise, they’re straightforward and easy to find!
- 2 chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: This tiny pasta shape soaks up all the yummy flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer less salt; it really enhances the dish.
- 1/2 cup pesto: Store-bought or homemade, it adds that delightful herbal kick!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These bring a sweet burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the orzo.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a lovely cheesy finish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding richness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip this step to elevate all those flavors!
How to Prepare One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo
Now, let’s get cooking! Making One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time, so let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking!
- While the oil is warming, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This is key for making sure they’re flavorful!
- Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Don’t rush this step; that lovely color adds so much flavor!
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This gives it a chance to rest and keeps it juicy.
- Now, it’s time to add the orzo and chicken broth to the same skillet. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After the orzo has absorbed most of the broth, stir in the pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The colors and aromas will be amazing!
- Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Cook everything together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- And voilà! Your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is ready to serve. Just plate it up and enjoy the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This meal comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
- One pan magic: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner—who doesn’t love that?
- Flavor-packed: The combination of tender chicken, creamy pesto, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates an explosion of taste!
- Healthy option: With lean chicken and vegetables, it’s a nutritious dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to fit your taste!
Tips for Success
To make your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo truly shine, here are some insider tips! First, when seasoning the chicken, don’t be shy—really coat it with salt and pepper for the best flavor. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps achieve that gorgeous golden crust that we all love!
If your orzo seems too dry during cooking, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken broth. It should be creamy, not dry! And remember, allow the chicken to rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and tender. Lastly, feel free to experiment with different veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo: around 450 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It also contains about 2g of sugar and 600mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly based on ingredient brands and portions, but it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal you’ll love!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While orzo gives a unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even whole wheat pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
What can I add to the dish for extra veggies? Great question! You can definitely toss in some fresh spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay vibrant and tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just prepare everything as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What should I serve with One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo? This dish is pretty complete on its own, but a simple green salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully! It adds a nice crunch and balances out the creamy orzo.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is super easy! After you’ve finished your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. This dish will stay fresh for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze! You can either warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out. Heat over medium until it’s warmed through, stirring occasionally. In the microwave, just cover the bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. It’ll be just as delicious as the first time around—enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo experience, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette—this adds a refreshing crunch! You might also enjoy it with some warm, crusty garlic bread for that perfect dipping opportunity. And don’t forget a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before serving; it just ties everything together beautifully! Enjoy your meal!
Print
One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo: 7 Comforting Minutes to Joy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is a simple and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with creamy pesto orzo in one dish.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add orzo and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Slice the chicken and return to the skillet.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pesto.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo, Chicken, Pesto, Orzo, One Pan Meal