Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Orzo and Spinach
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
3 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Marinate the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with 2 tbsp pesto, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the orzo: In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining 1 tbsp pesto. Add spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts.
Combine: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet and let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect one-pan meal. First, ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. For the marinade, coat the chicken thoroughly with the pesto, salt, and pepper, and let it sit while you prep other ingredients. When searing the chicken, do not move it for the first few minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust. After removing the chicken, proceed immediately to toasting the orzo in the skillet drippings; this step builds flavor. When simmering the orzo, keep the skillet covered and resist stirring too often. Finally, when adding the cream and cheese, reduce the heat to low to prevent curdling before incorporating the spinach and tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a crunchier texture, serve with garlic bread or a toasted baguette. A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the herbal pesto notes perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, this is a streamlined one-pan recipe: marinate and sear chicken, then use the same skillet to toast orzo before simmering it in broth. Enrich the cooked orzo with cream, cheese, and pesto, then wilt spinach and tomatoes in the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative.
My orzo is too dry/too wet. How do I fix it?
If dry, stir in a splash of broth or cream. If too wet, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow liquid to absorb.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
The dish is best served fresh. However, you can marinate the chicken and prep ingredients ahead. Reheat gently with added broth.
What can I use instead of orzo?
Small pasta like ditalini or even rice (adjust liquid and cooking time) are good substitutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer and remove at 165°F.
- Not Toasting the Orzo: Skipping this step misses a key opportunity for nutty, deep flavor.
- Adding Cream at Too High a Heat: This can cause the cream to separate. Always reduce heat before stirring it in.
- Crowding the Skillet: Sear chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Orzo and Spinach is the ultimate weeknight hero—delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. It masterfully combines tender protein, creamy pasta, and fresh vegetables in a single pan. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a comforting, impressive meal that will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!