Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken & Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that combines succulent chicken, tender orzo, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it brings gourmet flavors to your table in just thirty minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Orzo
- 1/2 cup Pesto
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add in the spinach and cherry tomatoes; sauté until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, around 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the orzo and stir to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve your creamy creation warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo, One-Pan Dinner, Easy Dinner Recipe