Description
A heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta infused with vibrant basil pesto, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta (about 8 ounces)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by cutting the chicken, halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the red onion, and mincing the garlic. Measure out the orzo, chicken broth, pesto, and Parmesan cheese, juice the lemon, and chop the fresh basil if using.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, stirring for an additional minute.
- Incorporate the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom. Stir in the orzo and halved cherry tomatoes, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until orzo absorbs most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, stir in the pesto and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan, adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoy it as is or with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
This dish can be customized with different proteins or vegetables. Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg