Print

One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is a delightful and effortless dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant pesto in one convenient pan. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe offers a flavor-packed meal that requires minimal cleanup. The juicy chicken absorbs the aromatic pesto while the orzo cooks to perfection in savory chicken broth, making it a satisfying option for any occasion. With its versatility, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that every bite is deliciously enjoyable.

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 (plus extra for serving)
  • Optional: Fresh basil and red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: cut chicken into pieces, halve tomatoes, slice onion, mince garlic, and measure out other ingredients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and optional red pepper flakes.
  3. Add chicken pieces; season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in orzo and cherry tomatoes; bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Remove from heat; stir in pesto and lemon juice until combined.
  7. Mix in Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with extra cheese and fresh basil.

Nutrition