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- 1 lb chicken breast - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup pesto - 1 cup spinach - 1 small onion - 3 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper - Grated Parmesan cheese - Extra pesto drizzle The main ingredients in this dish create a creamy and flavorful meal. Chicken breast gives a nice protein boost. Orzo pasta adds a fun texture that soaks up all the tasty flavors. The chicken broth keeps everything moist and rich. For veggies, I love using fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. The onion and garlic add depth to the dish. Olive oil helps to sauté the onion and garlic, making them fragrant and tasty. If you want to make it extra special, consider garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of extra pesto adds a nice finishing touch and more flavor. All these ingredients come together to make One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo a delightful meal. 1. Start by dicing the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. 2. Next, dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves. This adds great flavor. 3. Measure out the orzo pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, and pesto. Keep everything ready. 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. It should shimmer but not smoke. 2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. It should turn translucent. 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. You want it fragrant. 4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through. 6. Add the orzo pasta and stir well. Make sure it combines with the chicken mixture. 7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low. 8. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The orzo should be tender. 1. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Mix until smooth. 2. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. It should wilt nicely. 3. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt can help! - Serve the creamy pesto chicken orzo in shallow bowls. - Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. - Drizzle extra pesto on top for added flavor. - Pair this dish with a simple green salad for balance. - Consider a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the meal. - Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. - Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety. - Use dairy-free cream for a lighter option or dietary needs. - Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. - To get the perfect orzo texture, stir it often while cooking. - Avoid sticky pasta by using enough broth and stirring well. - Cook orzo until al dente, as it will continue to soak up liquid. - Ensure the skillet is not overcrowded to allow even cooking. - Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor melding. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Shrimp works great instead of chicken. Just cook it until it’s pink. Tofu is another good choice. It adds nice texture. You can also make it vegetarian by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They give the dish great flavor and color. Want to switch up the sauce? You can make homemade pesto with fresh basil, nuts, and garlic. It tastes amazing! If you want a creamier sauce, try sour cream or yogurt. They add a nice tang. Mixing in different herbs can also create new flavors. Experiment with what you have. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options that work well. You can also make a low-carb version with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Both options are tasty and healthy. They soak up the sauce nicely, making your meal light and fresh. Store your One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo in the fridge. First, let it cool for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent condensation in the container. Use an airtight container for the best results. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Your dish will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can freeze this dish for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It should stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. This slow thawing keeps the texture nice. When you’re ready to eat, reheat your dish gently. The best way is to use a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Avoid using the microwave if you can, as it may dry out the dish or make it rubbery. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your meal again! One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo takes about 30 minutes to cook. You spend 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking. This dish is quick and perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook it fully, then store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Just reheat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. You can use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Both options add creaminess. If you want a lighter choice, try Greek yogurt. It gives a nice tangy flavor. Absolutely! You can change the ingredients to fit your taste. If you don’t like spinach, swap it for peas or broccoli. You can also adjust the flavor by using less pesto or adding cheese. This recipe is flexible for everyone’s palate. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to boost flavor and presentation. Remember, you can adapt this recipe to fit your needs by changing proteins or sauces. Keep in mind the storage tips to enjoy leftovers later. Cooking should be fun and easy. I hope this dish brings joy to your table and inspires you to experiment in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo

Discover the delightful flavors of One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo that will transform your dinner routine! This simple and tasty recipe combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a luscious creamy pesto sauce, all cooked in just one pan. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is both satisfying and easy to make. Click through to explore the recipe and impress your family with this quick weeknight dinner!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup spinach, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup pesto

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions
 

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.

      Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

        Stir in the orzo pasta, allowing it to combine well with the chicken, onions, and garlic.

          Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and is tender.

            Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and pesto, mixing until well combined.

              Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pesto chicken orzo in shallow bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra pesto for added flavor. Enjoy!