Simple Chicken Pesto Orzo Recipe (One Pan!)

A square image of a skillet with creamy orzo, sliced chicken, tomatoes, and spinach.

5 from 2 votes

Simple Chicken Pesto Orzo Recipe (One Pan!)

This creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Recipe is the perfect union of comfort food and one pan dinner recipes. Perfectly flavored with basil pesto, seasoned chicken breast, bright tomatoes, and fresh spinach, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner that's made in one pan on the stove in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time12

Total Time17

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 459kcal

Author: Misty

Equipment

Ingredients

Chicken

1½ lb chicken breast trimmed and cut in half horizontally
1½ tablespoon olive oil
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
¾ teaspoon kosher salt

Orzo

1½ tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic minced
1½ cups orzo
3 cups chicken broth
10 oz (1 pint) cherry tomatoes cut in half (leave them whole if they are small)
1 cup spinach
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup basil pesto

Instructions

Combine the chicken, oil, and seasonings in a bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked to 165F. Remove from pan and set aside to rest.
1½ lb chicken breast, 1½ tablespoon olive oil, ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
Wipe out the skillet with paper towels. Add the oil, garlic, and orzo and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the orzo begins to toast (some pieces will be golden brown).
1½ tablespoon olive oil , 1 tablespoon garlic, 1½ cups orzo
Add the broth and the tomatoes. Turn to high and bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to med-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes., stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked through. (The heat really depends on your burner - the orzo should be simmering. If it starts to dry up and the orzo isn’t soft yet, add a little bit more broth or water and let it continue cooking.)
3 cups chicken broth, 10 oz (1 pint) cherry tomatoes
Once the orzo is soft, add the spinach, cream, and pesto. Cook on low for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. While it is cooking, slice the chicken.
1 cup spinach, ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup basil pesto
Slice the chicken. Add on top of the orzo and serve.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Let the chicken cook undisturbed on each side so it develops a pretty golden color.
Use a pesto you actually have tasted and like. We love the pesto from Sam's Club.
If it is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of hot water at a time to loosen it until it's nice and creamy.
If you ever have leftover fresh spinach, freeze it! This recipe and ones like it are a great time to use it up.

Storage and Reheating Instructions: Store leftovers in a sealed air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. I like to stir in a splash of cream and a tiny bit of fresh pesto to restore the creaminess.

Nutrition