One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious dinner that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight rotation, you’ve found it! One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, and vibrant pesto for an easy and flavorful dish everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a family gathering, this one-pan wonder will satisfy your cravings and make your kitchen smell incredible.

What makes this dish special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can whip up something truly delightful in no time. It’s perfect for when you want to impress without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in one pan, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
• Flavorful: The combination of pesto, garlic, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates an explosion of flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults) adore the creamy texture of orzo paired with tender chicken.
• Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for gatherings or special occasions.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and delicious veggies, it’s a wholesome way to indulge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple and wholesome ingredients. Let’s gather what we need for our One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo!

For the Main Dish

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Orzo Pasta: 1 cup (about 8 ounces).
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups, low sodium.
• Pesto: ½ cup, store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved.

For Flavor

• Red Onion: ½ medium, thinly sliced.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Lemon: 1, juiced.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated, plus more for serving.

For Garnish

• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped (optional).
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional).

Variations

One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:

• Swap the Protein: Try using diced turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
• Add More Veggies: Toss in spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Change the Sauce: Experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or any other favorite sauce you have on hand.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in some cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for an extra creamy texture.

How to Make One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Halve those juicy cherry tomatoes and slice the red onion thinly to allow their flavors to blend well. Mince your garlic to release its aromatic goodness. Having everything ready means less stress while cooking!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion first; sautéing for about 3-4 minutes softens them up beautifully while adding depth to our dish. Then toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes—this adds fragrant layers of flavor that make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Now it’s time for our star ingredient! Add those chicken pieces seasoned with salt and black pepper. Cook them until they’re golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do it. Don’t worry if they’re slightly pink; they’ll finish cooking later with the orzo.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet—this is where all that flavor lives! Stir in the orzo pasta along with those sweet cherry tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer. Covering it ensures even cooking while allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Pesto and Finish

Once your orzo is tender and has soaked up most of that savory broth (around 15-20 minutes), remove it from heat and uncover it. Stir in the vibrant pesto along with fresh lemon juice until everything is well mixed. This step transforms the dish into something truly delightful!

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Serve

Now stir in grated Parmesan cheese—it adds just the right amount of creaminess and umami flavor! Taste your creation; adjust seasoning as needed with more salt or pepper based on your preference. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Dish out your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo while it’s still hot! It’s delicious on its own but pairs perfectly with a side salad or crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this effortless meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Creating a flavorful and satisfying One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is easier with a few simple tips to elevate your dish.

• Prep Ahead: Cut your chicken, slice the onions, and measure out your ingredients before you start cooking. This not only speeds up the process but also helps you stay organized in the kitchen.
• Don’t Rush the Browning: Allowing the chicken to brown properly adds depth of flavor to the dish. The caramelization creates a lovely base that enhances the overall taste when combined with the orzo and pesto.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: If your orzo seems dry or isn’t fully cooked after simmering, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth. Each brand of pasta absorbs liquid differently, so it’s good to keep an eye on it!
• Experiment with Pesto Variations: While basil pesto is traditional, try using sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a twist. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile that can change up this dish beautifully.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during cooking. They not only add color but also boost nutrition and flavor.

How to Serve One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Serving your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top just before serving adds color and enhances the herbaceous notes of the pesto.
• Extra Parmesan: A light dusting of grated Parmesan over the finished dish adds an irresistible cheesy layer that many will love.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest sprinkled on top gives a burst of freshness and elevates the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the creamy orzo.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate while adding a deliciously crunchy texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like carrots, asparagus, or broccoli make for a colorful and healthy side that complements the main dish beautifully.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans tossed in olive oil and lemon juice offer a simple yet elegant side that balances well with the richness of the orzo.

Enjoy preparing this comforting meal! Your family will love it, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up on any weeknight.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is not only a delightful dish to prepare but also an excellent meal prep option! You can easily make it ahead of time or store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe container or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen it up.
• Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I make One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

What can I use instead of chicken broth in One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo?

If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works great too! It will still provide delicious flavor while keeping your dish meat-free.

Can I substitute the orzo pasta with another type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even gluten-free pasta if desired. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

How do I ensure my One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo doesn’t stick?

Stirring occasionally while it simmers helps prevent sticking. Also, using enough liquid when cooking the orzo is key!

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

This dish is fantastic on its own, but you could pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making this One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo! It’s a wonderful recipe that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for gatherings. Enjoy every bite and share it with those you love—there’s nothing quite like home-cooked comfort food!