We absolutely love diving into our Chicken Pesto Orzo Recipe for a fresh take on weeknight dinners. This Italian-inspired dish blends juicy chicken with creamy pesto and tiny orzo pasta for a burst of flavors that’s both comforting and vibrant.
It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare. We’ll guide you through the basics so you can create a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
We love sourcing high-quality ingredients for our Chicken Pesto Orzo Recipe to deliver a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy pesto and al dente orzo. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically prepared, including key prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Orzo pasta: 1 cup uncooked orzo, rinsed under cold water to remove excess starch and ensure it cooks perfectly.
- Pesto sauce: ½ cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto, stirred until smooth for that fresh, herbaceous flavor that ties the dish together.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved to release their juicy sweetness and add a burst of color.
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and roughly chopped to wilt easily and provide a nutritious, earthy contrast.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced for its aromatic punch that enhances the overall taste.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced to build a flavorful base.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, used for sautéing to add a rich, fruity note.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan, freshly grated for a nutty finish that elevates the pesto.
- Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, adjusted to taste to season the chicken and pasta perfectly.
Instructions
Let’s guide you through preparing our flavorful Chicken Pesto Orzo step by step. We ensure each instruction is simple and precise so you can create a vibrant dish bursting with fresh tastes and textures.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we gather and prep our ingredients for smooth cooking. Start by dicing the yellow onion into small pieces and mincing the garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence. Next, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and halve the cherry tomatoes to let their juices mingle with other flavors. Wash the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and set them aside along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Proper preparation enhances the dish’s fresh vibrancy and ensures everything cooks uniformly.
Cook the Orzo
We focus on cooking the orzo to achieve a tender, al dente texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil then add the uncooked orzo. Cook for 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally until it’s just tender yet firm. Drain the orzo and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process preserving its light and fluffy consistency. The warm, nutty aroma of the cooked orzo will signal it’s ready to pair with our other elements.
Cook the Chicken
With the orzo done, we turn to the chicken for a juicy, golden-brown result that adds heartiness to the dish. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add the cubed chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sizzling sound and savory scent of the chicken browning will make your kitchen inviting as it develops a crispy exterior while staying moist inside.
Combine and Serve
Finally, we bring all the components together for a creamy, harmonious blend that highlights the pesto’s herbaceous notes. In the same skillet, add the cooked orzo, cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh baby spinach. Stir in ½ cup of pesto sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated in the rich, green sauce. Top with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty finish then serve immediately. The vibrant colors and velvety textures of this dish will delight your senses making it a standout weeknight favorite.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed sharing this Chicken Pesto Orzo as a go-to option for busy nights
It delivers a burst of fresh flavors that elevate simple ingredients
We’re confident you’ll find it a versatile favorite ready to customize and savor time after time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Pesto Orzo?
Chicken Pesto Orzo is a vibrant, flavorful weeknight dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and tender orzo pasta. It’s a comforting yet fresh dish that combines simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes and spinach for a hearty, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy families.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Pesto Orzo?
You’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta, ½ cup of pesto sauce, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cups of fresh baby spinach, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced yellow onion, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. These high-quality ingredients ensure a delicious, balanced flavor.
How do I prepare Chicken Pesto Orzo?
Start by prepping ingredients: dice the onion, mince garlic, cube chicken, and halve tomatoes. Cook orzo until al dente, then sauté chicken in olive oil until golden. Combine everything in a skillet with pesto and spinach, stir until heated, and top with Parmesan. The whole process takes about 30 minutes for a creamy, flavorful dish.
How long does it take to make Chicken Pesto Orzo?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes total, including prep and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and 20 minutes cooking for a quick, satisfying meal.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Pesto Orzo?
Yes, you can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a lighter option, use basil pesto alternatives like sun-dried tomato, or replace spinach with kale. Keep the orzo and olive oil as bases for the best texture and flavor, adjusting seasonings to maintain the dish’s vibrant taste.
Is Chicken Pesto Orzo healthy?
Yes, it’s a nutritious choice with lean protein from chicken, veggies like spinach and tomatoes for vitamins, and whole grains from orzo. At around 400-500 calories per serving, it’s balanced but watch portions if monitoring carbs or calories for a wholesome weeknight meal.
How should I store leftovers of Chicken Pesto Orzo?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to keep it creamy. It’s not ideal for freezing as the texture may change, but it’s great for quick lunches the next day.