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- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup orzo pasta This dish starts with some basic but essential ingredients. The olive oil adds a rich base flavor. Chicken breasts are our main protein, providing substance. The onion and garlic bring sweetness and depth. Orzo pasta, tiny and rice-like, gives a nice bite. - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade for a personal touch) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For rich flavor, chicken broth is key. It helps the orzo absorb taste as it cooks. Heavy cream adds a nice creaminess. Pesto, which can be homemade or store-bought, gives a fresh herb flavor. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that rounds it all out. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Fresh spinach wilts down and adds color. The basil leaves on top make for a beautiful finish and add another layer of flavor. Together, these fresh additions make the dish vibrant and appealing. - Heating the oil: Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a large pot. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This step is key for a good sear on the chicken. - Preparing the chicken: While the oil heats, take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pot. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. - Sautéing onion and garlic: In the same pot, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent and fragrant. - Toasting the orzo: Next, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Stir it for about a minute. This toasting step boosts the flavor of the pasta. - Adding broth and simmering: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything to combine and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring occasionally until the orzo is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. - Stirring in cream and pesto: Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of pesto. Mix until it’s smooth and combined. - Incorporating chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Mix everything until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. To ensure the chicken cooks properly, start with diced pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Sauté the chicken until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. For orzo, cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Stir the orzo while it cooks to prevent sticking. It usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. If it's too soft, it can become mushy in the dish. Adjusting seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Always taste your food as you cook. Add more salt or pepper if needed. The right balance can make a big difference in flavor. For creamy consistency, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it in well with the pesto. This helps create a smooth and rich sauce. If you want it creamier, you can add more cream or cheese. For serving, use shallow bowls for a lovely look. This helps show off the vibrant colors of the dish. Drizzle a bit of extra pesto on top for flair. It adds flavor and makes it eye-catching. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. These little touches will make your dish look restaurant-worthy and inviting. {{image_4}} You can change proteins in this dish to suit your taste. Shrimp adds a sweet touch and cooks fast. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based diet. Just sauté it until golden. You can also substitute orzo with other pasta types. Try small shells or penne for a fun twist. Each pasta will change the dish's feel, but the sauce will still shine. Using homemade pesto gives a fresh taste. You can blend basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil easily. Store-bought pesto saves time but can still taste great. For a twist, try different pesto flavors. Sun-dried tomato pesto offers a rich and tangy kick. You can even mix in roasted red peppers for extra depth. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free orzo or rice. Both alternatives work well and keep the dish tasty. If you want a vegan version, swap chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Adjust the pesto to a dairy-free recipe, and you’ll have a delicious meal for everyone. To store your leftover One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo, place it in an airtight container. This step helps keep it fresh and prevents odors from other foods. It’s best to store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This dish can stay good for up to three days in your fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place a serving in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring often, until warm. If you prefer the stovetop, add the orzo to a pan over low heat. Stir in a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. This helps maintain that delicious texture. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To do this, let it cool completely before packing it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date for easy reference. When it’s time to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream to keep it smooth. Enjoy your flavorful meal later! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo ahead of time. Cook the dish fully, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, heat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. What should I serve with One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo? This dish is a complete meal, but you can add sides like a green salad or garlic bread. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well. The fresh flavors balance the richness of the orzo. Caloric and nutritional breakdown per serving Each serving contains about 600 calories. You get around 45 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbs, and 40 grams of fat. It offers a good mix of nutrients, thanks to the chicken, spinach, and tomatoes. Allergen information This recipe contains common allergens like dairy and gluten. It includes chicken, cream, and Parmesan cheese. If you have nut allergies, ensure your pesto does not contain nuts. Always check labels when using store-bought ingredients. Can this recipe be made dairy-free? Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor. Make sure your pesto is also dairy-free. How to adjust for larger servings? To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use a larger pot to fit all the ingredients. Make sure to adjust cooking times slightly, especially for the orzo, to ensure it cooks evenly. In this blog post, we explored how to make a One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo. We covered essential ingredients like chicken, orzo, and flavor enhancers like heavy cream and pesto. You learned the cooking steps and tips for great texture and flavor. We also looked at ingredient substitutions, dietary adaptations, and storage tips for leftovers. This dish is easy to customize based on your taste. Enjoy creating and sharing a warm meal with loved ones.

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo

Savor the flavors of a delicious One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo with this simple recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful meal that will impress your family. Click through to explore full instructions and make this comforting dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade for a personal touch)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

    Season the diced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot oil in the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

      In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

        Next, add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring for about a minute to lightly toast it, which will enhance its flavor.

          Carefully pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cooking while stirring occasionally until the orzo is al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes.

            After the orzo has cooked to perfection, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and pesto until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

              Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

                Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper according to your preference.

                  Serve the creamy pesto chicken orzo hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: For a delightful presentation, serve in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra pesto on top before garnishing with whole basil leaves.