Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a comforting, delicious meal that comes together in just one pan! My One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is a game changer for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. I found this recipe on one of those frantic nights where I just wanted to whip up something quick yet satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, creamy pesto, and perfectly cooked orzo is pure magic! Plus, the clean-up is a breeze—just one pan to wash! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for weeknight dinners. Your family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll love the smiles around the table!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup packed pesto sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for a lovely cheesy finish
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy with the seasoning!
How to Prepare One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this incredible One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end. Ready? Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pan and heat up a drizzle of oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced chicken. Season it generously with salt and pepper—don’t hold back! Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on all sides.
- Now, let’s add some excitement! Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and cook it for about 2 minutes. This helps to toast the pasta just a bit and enhances its flavor.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Oh, that smell is divine!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the orzo absorbs all that delicious broth.
- After 10 minutes, uncover the pan and add the pesto and halved cherry tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften just a touch.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing it until it’s all melted and creamy. Wow! You’re ready to serve this cheerful dish straight from the pan!
And just like that, you’ve got a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: The simplicity of this dish means less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy chicken and vibrant pesto creates a flavor profile that’s out of this world.
- Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something tasty in a flash.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix it up! Add your favorite veggies or swap out proteins for a fun twist every time.
- Family-Friendly: This meal appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser around the dinner table.
Honestly, it’s hard to beat a recipe that’s not just delicious but also fits seamlessly into your busy life. You’re going to love it!
Tips for Success
To make your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, use high-quality pesto—whether store-bought or homemade—because it really elevates the dish. Don’t skip the seasoning; a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on the chicken makes all the difference in flavor. Keep an eye on the cooking time—overcooked orzo can turn mushy, so stick to the times I’ve shared! And if you like a bit of zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a lovely brightness. Trust me, these little tweaks will take it to the next level!
Variations
One of the best things about my One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand or your mood! For a fun twist, try swapping the chicken for shrimp or even tofu if you’re looking for a plant-based option. You can also toss in some fresh spinach or peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different types of pesto—like sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto—for a unique flavor profile. And don’t forget, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a delightful kick! The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out, and heat over low until warmed through. This way, you’ll still get that delightful flavor and creamy texture every time. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, please remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here are the typical nutritional values you can expect for One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
For the most accurate information, always check your ingredient labels!
FAQ Section
Can I make this One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to heat it up. It’s a great way to save time during busy weeknights!
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
No worries at all! You can substitute orzo with another small pasta shape like couscous or even quinoa. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo! Just place it in an airtight container and it should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop.
Is this dish gluten-free?
You bet! If you use gluten-free orzo, this One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo will be completely gluten-free. Just check the labels on your pasta and chicken broth!
What should I serve with this dish?
This meal is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious pesto goodness. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo: 7 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious one pan meal featuring chicken and pesto orzo.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until chicken is browned.
- Add orzo and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add pesto and cherry tomatoes, stir well.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pesto.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo, one pan meal, chicken recipe, pesto orzo