Pest Orzo With Chicken Recipe

Hey foodies! Let’s dive into a mouthwatering adventure with this Pesto Chicken Orzo that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Get ready to impress both your taste buds and your followers with this vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’ll have you dreaming of Mediterranean sunsets! 🌿🍅✨

This Pesto Orzo with Chicken is an absolute favorite. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Orzo pasta, juicy chopped chicken breasts, and sweet cherry tomatoes make this a weeknight winner. But the truly magic part is the pesto sauce—and, really, it should be called “pesto and Parmesan sauce” because that’s what makes it sing.

Ingredients

• Orzo Pasta: Provides carbohydrates, offering energy for the day.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats, supports heart health.
• Chicken Breasts: High in protein, essential for muscle repair.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor, enhances richness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, boosts immune function.
• Pesto Sauce: Infuses herbaceous flavor, adds vibrant color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes umami flavor, provides calcium.
• Pine Nuts: Offer healthy fats, add a nutty crunch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make this

1. Prepare the orzo pasta as per the provided package instructions. Drain and set it aside.

2. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same frying pan, place the leftover tablespoon of olive oil and turn the heat down to medium. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re beginning to soften.

4. Add in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes.

5. The orzo should be returned to the skillet, where it should be stirred into the broth and tomatoes.

6. Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir thoroughly.

7. Mix the pesto sauce in until everything is evenly mixed and heated through.

8. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and well combined.

9. If you are using them, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of the dish.

10. Before serving, make sure to add some fresh basil leaves on top. This is really good with the orzo. And, of course, you can add more pesto if you’d like. Enjoy the dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan or pot
2. Large skillet or frying pan
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Kitchen tongs or slotted spoon
6. Colander or strainer
7. Knife
8. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?Indeed, using whole wheat orzo instead is a perfectly good and fairly simple way to make this dish healthier. It has more fiber and nutrients than regular orzo, and tastes roughly the same, but with a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?You can substitute the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Can I use homemade pesto?Sure! Pesto made at home will work perfectly and may even brighten up the dish with its freshness.
• What is the best way to toast pine nuts?Toasting pine nuts requires a few easy steps. You first place the nuts in a skillet that is dry and over medium heat. You then stir them around for a few minutes—about 3 to 5—that usually feels longer because you can smell them toasting. You keep stirring until they turn a nice, even golden brown. It really is that simple.
• How can I make this dish dairy-free?A dairy-free pesto can be used, and the Parmesan can be omitted, or nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute.
• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?Certainly, you can prepare the orzo and chicken in advance and store them apart. Mix them with the pesto and fresh ingredients right before you serve.

Pest Orzo With Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Quinoa or couscous can be used in place of orzo pasta, if you’re looking for something with a slightly different texture.
Avocado oil: Substitute with either grapeseed oil or olive oil.
Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts, or, for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas.
Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes, and you will have a more intense flavor in whatever dish you are making.
Pesto sauce: Prepare a fresh parsley pesto or a pesto sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Orzo Before cooking the orzo, toast it in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until it turns golden brown. This will add a nutty depth of flavor to the dish.

2. Marinate the Chicken For extra flavor, marinate the chopped chicken breasts in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will add more depth to the overall flavor.

3. Deglaze the Pan After cooking the chicken and before sautéing the tomatoes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, scraping up the browned bits. This will add complexity to the sauce.

4. Herb Enhancement Consider adding a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the tomatoes for a subtle boost in flavor and a bit of heat.

5. Pine Nut Perfection When toasting pine nuts, keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Toast them in a dry pan over low heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step adds a nice crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to the finished dish.