One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo Recipe

There is something so comforting and vibrant about this One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo that makes it an instant favorite. Imagine tender chicken pieces mingling with creamy, herbaceous orzo, bright bursts of cherry tomatoes, and the unforgettable flavor of fresh pesto—all cooked together in one pan for an easy, flavor-packed meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels both effortless and special, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings where you want big taste without the fuss. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see exactly why One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is a kitchen winner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, this recipe lets each flavor shine through beautifully. From the tender chicken to the bright cherry tomatoes and fragrant pesto, every ingredient plays a key role in making this dish both colorful and delicious.

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces—great for quick cooking and staying juicy.
• Orzo Pasta: 1 cup (about 8 ounces)—this tiny, rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavors wonderfully and creates a luscious texture.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups, low sodium—infuses the orzo with savory depth and helps form a light, tasty sauce.
• Pesto: ½ cup, store-bought or homemade—this vibrant basil spread is the star that ties everything together with fresh herbal notes.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved—adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
• Red Onion: ½ medium, thinly sliced—offers subtle sweetness and balances the garlic and pesto.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—brings essential savory aroma and depth to the pan.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons—perfect for sautéing and adding richness without overpowering flavors.
• Lemon: 1, juiced—adds a zesty brightness that uplifts every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated, plus more for serving—sprinkles on salty, nutty goodness that makes the dish irresistible.
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped, optional garnish—boosts freshness and complements the pesto beautifully.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste—essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, optional—adds a subtle kick for heat lovers.

How to Make One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready: cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, halve those juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly slice your red onion, and mince the garlic. Measure out your orzo, chicken broth, and pesto so they’re ready to go. Don’t forget to juice that lemon and chop some fresh basil if you want a beautiful garnish later. Having everything prepped is the secret to a smooth cooking flow.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red onion and cook until soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, cooking just until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn. This base sets the stage for your chicken to take center stage with a fantastic flavor foundation.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add your seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, sprinkling salt and black pepper over them. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but still slightly pink inside. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked at this point— the next steps will finish it perfectly while the orzo absorbs those savory juices.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer

Pour the chicken broth into the pan, scraping the bottom well to lift up those flavorful browned bits—that’s pure gold for your sauce! Stir in the orzo and halved cherry tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet tightly and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is where the magic happens: the pasta soaks up all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Stir in Pesto and Finish the Dish

Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the pesto and fresh lemon juice. This creates a creamy, herbaceous sauce that coats every piece of chicken and pasta. Then fold in the grated Parmesan for that salty, rich touch. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Serve

Top your One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like. Serve immediately while warm, allowing all those fresh vibrant flavors to shine. This dish is truly satisfying as is, but it’s also fantastic alongside a crisp salad or some crusty bread for soaking up every last delicious bite.

How to Serve One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese make perfect garnishes, adding bright herbal notes and a cheesy finish that elevate every mouthful. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes adds dimension and flair if you want to get creative.

Side Dishes

One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is quite a complete meal on its own, but you can complement it nicely with simple sides like a crisp mixed green salad, roasted vegetables, or a basket of warm, crusty bread to mop up the luscious sauce. These additions offer color, crunch, and variation in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the dish straight from the skillet for rustic charm or portion it into individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan shavings. Drizzling a little lemon-infused olive oil on top right before serving adds a professional touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the dish includes pasta and pesto, it’s best enjoyed within a few days to maintain freshness and flavor. Stir well before serving leftovers as the orzo may absorb more liquid over time.

Freezing

This dish freezes fairly well, though pesto and pasta textures can change slightly. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creamy consistency and best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low-medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too but stir halfway through heating for even warmth. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and prevent the pesto from losing its bright flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo is ideal here because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors perfectly, but you can substitute other small pasta shapes like couscous or small elbows if you like. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might differ slightly.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this recipe?

Homemade pesto brings an unbeatable freshness and personal touch, but good quality store-bought pesto works wonderfully too. It saves time and still delivers that vibrant basil flavor essential to One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts, and use vegetable broth instead. The pesto and orzo will still create a delicious, satisfying meal.

How spicy is the red pepper flakes addition?

The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds just a subtle warmth that enhances the dish without overpowering the flavors. You can adjust or omit this based on your spice preference.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces and not fully cooking it before simmering with the orzo helps keep it juicy and tender. The simmering step finishes cooking the chicken gently while it soaks up all the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo is truly a game changer for anyone who loves big, fresh flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It delivers comfort, brightness, and a satisfying meal all in one easy skillet. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone asks for again and again!

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