Description
This Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe is a quick, one-pan Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy white pesto sauce, and nutty orzo pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of fresh herbs, rich creaminess, and satisfying textures, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Orzo
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
White Pesto Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Optional: 2 tbsp cream or ricotta for creaminess
Aromatics and Extras
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts and season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor without overpowering the white pesto.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped garlic and onions and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned on the outside, sealing in the juices but not fully cooking through.
- Add Orzo and Liquid: Stir the dry orzo into the skillet with the chicken and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring the orzo is covered, then bring to a gentle simmer so the orzo cooks and absorbs the savory flavors.
- Stir in White Pesto: Once the orzo is tender and most broth absorbed, reduce heat to low and fold in the creamy white pesto sauce, coating the orzo and chicken for rich, herbaceous flavor.
- Finish with Greens and Cheese: Add fresh spinach or arugula if desired, letting it wilt in the residual heat. Top the skillet with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish before serving.
Notes
- Use thin-cut chicken for faster cooking and tender results.
- Do not rinse orzo; its starch helps thicken the sauce for creaminess.
- Simmer gently after adding pesto to prevent separation or burning of the sauce.
- Fresh homemade pesto enhances flavor more than store-bought options.
- Adjust chicken broth quantity to achieve desired sauciness or dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg